This will be the first country that Cambodia allows ships to visit Ream Port after renovation.

Part of Cambodia's Ream Naval Base in Sihanoukville, southwest of the capital Phnom Penh, Cambodia, photographed in December 2023. (Source: Ream Naval Base Facebook)

On December 23, the Khmer Times reported that three days earlier, Japan's Security Advisor and Secretary General of the National Security Council Akiba Takeo visited Phnom Penh and met with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen.

At the meeting, Mr. Hun Sen announced: “Cambodia will allow Japanese ships to dock at Ream Port first after the construction process is completed in the near future,” and expressed hope that the Phnom Penh-Tokyo cooperation will further develop and bring deeper understanding through this visit of the Japanese delegation.

He also thanked Japan for its support and contributions to Cambodia's development since its independence, especially in infrastructure construction and logistics system development, such as the development of the Preah Sihanouk Autonomous Port.

According to him, the relationship between Cambodia and Japan continues to develop and strengthen in all areas, including security. So far, the bilateral defense relations, including naval and land forces, have improved, reflecting the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

Besides, the President of the Cambodian Senate highly appreciated Japan's role in the region, emphasizing that countries in the region consider Japan a good partner and always respect each other's interests, including respecting the central role of ASEAN.

For his part, Mr. Akiba mentioned the review of Japan's national security strategy, in line with developments in the regional situation. The strategy will focus on strengthening constructive dialogue with partner countries and major powers such as China.

According to him, without dialogue and cooperation between countries, especially with China, there can be no stability, prosperity and development. Mr. Akiba pledged to strengthen cooperation with Cambodia, ASEAN and major powers for the stability and development of the region.

On this issue, Mr. Hun Sen affirmed that Japan's review of its national security strategy is in line with Cambodia's approach, as both countries share the same desire to strengthen peace . He also called on Japan to engage more in dialogue with China to enhance mutual trust.

Currently, Ream base cannot allow any foreign countries to dock or visit because construction work is not yet complete.

However, Cambodian Defense Ministry spokesman Maly Socheata said that once the base is completed and officially operational, the country welcomes warships and other vessels from development partners, as well as all friendly countries, to dock at its port.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/day-se-la-quoc-gia-dau-tien-duoc-campuchia-cho-phep-tau-tham-vieng-cang-ream-sau-cai-tao-298522.html