Message from H.E. Mr. Gotaro Ogawa

Ambassador of Japan to Cambodia



On the auspicious occasion of the 69th birthday of His Majesty Emperor AKIHITO of Japan, it is a great honor for me, as Ambassador of Japan to the Kingdom of Cambodia, to remind you all of the long-standing existing bilateral relations between our two countries.

Japanese Prime Minister Mr. Koizumi and Cambodian Prime Minister Mr. Hun Sen during the Asean + 3 Summit in Phnom Penh Looking back over the past year, we can see a number of positive developments in Cambodia. For instance, the pace of economic reconstruction has been accelerating around Cambodia's large cities and reforms have shown gradual progress. Also, the ASEAN related Summit Meetings in November achieved great success. The Government of Japan will continue to support Cambodian efforts towards nation building based on "good governance".



Cambodian and Japanese drummer performed together during the Japan-Cambodia Culture Exchange Festival in June this year I wish to point out that there were also positive developments in the relations between Japan and Cambodia. This year we celebrated the 10th anniversary of the reopening of our Embassy in Cambodia and the inauguration of our new Embassy building by organizing the Japan-Cambodia Cultural Exchange Festival in May and June. Cambodian citizens and Japanese residents in Phnom Penh enjoyed this Festival together. Through this experience, I arrived at the conviction that Japanese and Cambodian people have similar cultural backgrounds and can feel very close to each other. Pottery Training by a Japanese volunteer in Tranmthnar, Takeo Province The good relations between our two countries is symbolized by the increasing exchanges of our two peoples; more tourists are arriving, more NGOs and local groups from Japan are also coming to help construct school buildings or to help the poor in Cambodia. About fifty brilliant Cambodian students go to study in Japan on Japanese Government scholarships every year. Japanese cooperation in the safeguarding and restoring of the monuments at Angkor has also continued to make progress.

The next year will be a very important landmark in the relations between Japan and Cambodia. It will not only be the 50th anniversary of Cambodian's Independence but also the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries. Moreover, the year 2003 will be the ASEAN-Japan Exchange Year, which was proposed by the Japanese Prime Minister Mr. Koizumi. I appeal to all Cambodians to work together to strengthen the ties of friendship between Japan and Cambodia.


Finally, on behalf of the Government and the people of Japan, I would like to take this opportunity to extend my best wishes to Their Majesties King Norodom Sihanouk and Queen Monineath Sihanouk for their longevity and good health. I would also like to express my best wishes for the happiness, peace and prosperity of the Kingdom of Cambodia and her people.

Gotaro Ogawa







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