In this photo released by Agence Kampuchea Press (AKP), Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, center, walks together with his Thailand counterpart Paetongtarn Shinawatra, left, at Peace Palace in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, April 23, 2025. (AKP via AP)
TOKYO (Kyodo) — Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet will make a visit to Japan next week and meet his counterpart Shigeru Ishiba, the Japanese government said Monday, as Tokyo aims to deepen ties with the Southeast Asian nation where China is increasing its clout.
The planned four-day visit to Japan from May 28 will be Hun Manet’s second since he became prime minister in August 2023. He will hold his first summit talks with Ishiba, who took office in October.
“This visit by Prime Minister Hun Manet is anticipated to further deepen the ‘comprehensive strategic partnership’ between Japan and Cambodia,” the Japanese Foreign Ministry said.
Ishiba and Hun Manet will exchange views on bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues, the ministry said.
China’s influence is growing in Cambodia, with Beijing funding the expansion of the Ream Naval Base on the Gulf of Thailand and announcing in April the opening of a joint training center there for their militaries on counter-terrorism, humanitarian assistance and other operations.
AloJapan.com