Japan eyes security assistance programme for Cambodia in 2026

Photo: Kiripost

PHNOM PENH, Feb. 4, 2026 — Japan plans to launch a study in 2026 on providing official security assistance to Cambodia, reflecting improving defence and security ties between the two countries, Japanese Ambassador Ueno Atsushi said on Tuesday.

“Our defence and security cooperation has developed smoothly,” Ueno said, citing high-level military exchanges in 2025, including visits by the Cambodian Army commander to Japan and Japan’s Ground Self-Defence Force chief to Cambodia. Both sides have agreed to support the establishment of a signal school within the Cambodian Army.

Speaking at a public forum on Cambodia–Japan relations organised by the Cambodian Centre for Regional Studies, Ueno noted that a Japanese maritime self-defence force vessel made the first foreign naval port call at Ream Naval Base in April 2025 following the base’s renovation.

Japan views security cooperation with Cambodia as one of the most notable areas of bilateral progress in recent years, he said, adding that Tokyo is considering extending official security assistance under its new OSA framework.

“It’s a new scheme of Japanese cooperation in the security field,” Ueno said. “We are now discussing with the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces and the defence ministry to start the OSA programme with Cambodia, possibly later this year.”