Phnom Penh, 3 July 2026 — Samdech Maha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary, President of the National Assembly of the Kingdom of Cambodia, on Friday received a farewell courtesy call from H.E. Ueno Atsushi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Cambodia, at the National Assembly Palace, as the Ambassador concluded his diplomatic mission in Cambodia.
 
Samdech Khuon Sudary expressed appreciation for Ambassador Ueno's dedicated service and significant contributions to strengthening the longstanding friendship and cooperation between Cambodia and Japan.
 
Samdech noted that his tenure had significantly strengthened the Cambodia–Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, particularly through political dialogue, economic cooperation, and people-to-people ties.
 
On behalf of the Cambodian people, Samdech expressed deep gratitude to the Government and people of Japan for their long-standing support over the past three decades, particularly in Cambodia's peacebuilding, reconstruction, and socio-economic development.
 
Recalling Japan's invaluable support for Cambodia's peace process, Samdech emphasized the Cambodian people would always remember the sacrifice of two young Japanese peacekeepers who lost their lives while serving with the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC) in 1993 in the cause of peace.
 
Samdech said Japan's close attention to the recent Cambodia–Thailand border situation, including its support for ceasefire efforts and humanitarian assistance to displaced Cambodian civilians, reflected the Cambodia–Japan "Heart-to-Heart Relations."
 
She reaffirmed Cambodia's commitment to resolving disputes peacefully in accordance with international law and welcomed Japan's Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) initiative, noting that it complements Cambodia's national development agenda under the Royal Government's Pentagonal Strategy – Phase I, implemented under the clear-sighted leadership of Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister.
 
Samdech highlighted that bilateral trade surpassed US$2.5 billion in 2025, while Japan remains one of Cambodia's leading investors, with cumulative investments of approximately US$2.9 billion since 1994. She also highlighted growing people-to-people exchanges, including around 69,000 Cambodian skilled workers in Japan and Japan's long-standing scholarship programmes for Cambodian students.
 
"Many Cambodian graduates of Japanese universities have brought back not only knowledge and skills, but also values of discipline, professionalism, integrity, trust, respect, and ethical leadership," Samdech said, adding that these values have contributed to strengthening governance and institutional performance in both the public and private sectors.
 
Samdech further emphasized the importance of parliamentary cooperation and appreciated Japan's continued support for the Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development (AFPPD) and its collaboration with the Cambodian Association of Parliamentarians on Population and Development (CAPPD) in promoting women's empowerment, youth development, active ageing, and sustainable development.
 
Looking ahead, Samdech expressed hope for expanded cooperation in digital transformation, including support for the National Assembly's e-Parliament initiative, parliamentary research services, good governance, and capacity building for officials of the Secretariat-General of the National Assembly of Cambodia.
 
For his part, H.E. Ueno Atsushi expressed his sincere satisfaction and appreciation for the warm hospitality and excellent cooperation he received throughout his diplomatic mission in Cambodia.
 
He noted that his appointment coincided with the elevation of Cambodia–Japan relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2023, which has further strengthened cooperation across political, economic, cultural, healthcare, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.
 
Reflecting on his tenure, he said he had visited every province and capital, gaining a deep appreciation for Cambodia's rich cultural heritage, remarkable development, natural beauty, and the hospitality of its people.
 
Ambassador Ueno reaffirmed Japan's continued support for Cambodia's commitment to peaceful dispute resolution in accordance with international law and expressed confidence that an official visit by Samdech President to Japan would further strengthen parliamentary ties between the two countries.
 
Concluding the meeting, Samdech wished Ambassador Ueno every success in his new assignment as Ambassador of Japan to Indonesia and expressed confidence that the strong foundation built over 73 years of diplomatic relations would continue to bring greater prosperity and mutual benefit to the peoples of Cambodia and Japan.