(Phnom Penh): Outgoing Japanese Ambassador to Cambodia Ueno Atsushi praised Cambodia's remarkable transformation, saying he never imagined the country would achieve its current level of development after witnessing its progress over the past three decades.

Ambassador Ueno Atsushi, who has completed his four-year diplomatic mission, paid a farewell courtesy call on Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen on Tuesday (Jul. 14) at the Senate.

According to Senate Spokesperson Chea Thyrith, Samdech Techo Hun Sen expressed appreciation for Ambassador Ueno Atsushi's contributions to strengthening Cambodia-Japan relations and voiced hope that he would carry fond memories of his time in Cambodia. He noted that bilateral ties have grown into a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

For his part, Ambassador Ueno Atsushi said Cambodia-Japan relations have deepened across a wide range of sectors, including security, the economy, trade, investment, and people-to-people exchanges.

Reflecting on his long association with Cambodia since 1991, the ambassador said he had witnessed the country's dramatic transformation and had never expected it to achieve such rapid development over the past 30 years.

On the occasion, Samdech Techo welcomed the ambassador's positive assessment of bilateral ties and thanked Japan for its longstanding support, particularly in peacebuilding, mine clearance, and infrastructure development.

The Senate president also wished Ambassador Ueno Atsushi success in his future assignments.
=FRESH NEWS