Phnom Penh, 26 September 2024: Prof. Akiko Yamanaka, Special Advisor to the President of ERIA, former Vice Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, and Special Ambassador for Peacebuilding, paid a courtesy visit to H.E. Samdech Hun Sen, former Prime Minister and Senate President of the Kingdom of Cambodia, at his office.

At the outset of the meeting, H.E. Hun Sen expressed his gratitude for Prof. Yamanaka’s visit to Cambodia. He highlighted the progress Cambodia has made in economic development over the past 20 years. Prof. Yamanaka briefed H.E. Hun Sen on her agenda during her time in Phnom Penh, which included delivering a lecture at the Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP) on ‘Human Security and Peacebuilding: A Japanese Perspective and Practice.’ She also planned to meet with the Cambodian Ministers of Women's Affairs and Culture and Arts, as well as participate in a seminar to promote ongoing ERIA research projects on Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) and the Women Digital Economy (WDE).

During their discussion, they addressed the progress of human security and peacebuilding in ASEAN, particularly considering the recent coup d'état in Myanmar. They exchanged views on humanitarian assistance for Myanmar, Cambodia's efforts to resolve the conflict, and how ASEAN could contribute to mitigating the situation.

The conversation also highlighted Cambodia's initiatives to create a safe environment for women to engage meaningfully in society through a range of government social protection policy schemes. His Excellency Hun Sen emphasised the importance of increasing women's leadership at decision-making levels, reflecting on his own efforts during his tenure as Prime Minister. He also welcomed ERIA’s initiative to conduct projects focused on WPS and WDE.

H.E. Samdech Hun Sen was accompanied by seven members of the Senate of the Kingdom of Cambodia. Prof. Akiko Yamanaka was accompanied by H.E. Ambassador Ueno Atsushi, the Japanese Ambassador to the Kingdom of Cambodia; Kitamura Hiroko, Second Secretary; Koga Asuka, Third Secretary from the Embassy of Japan in Cambodia; and Lina Maulidina Sabrina, Senior Programme Officer from ERIA.