May 21, 2026
His Excellency Professor Chheang Ra, Minister of Health, held a bilateral meeting with His Excellency Dr. Sakoi, Vice‑Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan, who also serves as Chief Medical & Global Health Officer, on the occasion of the 79th World Health Assembly (WHA79) in Geneva, Switzerland, on 20 May 2026.
During the meeting, His Excellency Minister expressed profound appreciation to the people and Government of Japan for their long‑standing and committed partnership and cooperation, on behalf of the Royal Government and the people of Cambodia. His Excellency Minister highlighted Japan’s vital role in supporting Cambodia’s efforts to build a resilient health system capable of responding effectively along the path toward Universal Health Coverage. His Excellency Minister recalled the history of Cambodia–Japan health cooperation, including joint achievements in reducing maternal and child mortality, strengthening medical and leadership of human resources, and expanding and upgrading hospital infrastructure.
His Excellency Dr. Sakoi commended Cambodia for its strong commitment and progress in responding to global health developments. He reaffirmed Japan’s continued support through ongoing training programs, upcoming forums, and joint reflection with Cambodia on expanding physical space and enhancing health service provision. His Excellency Dr. Sakoi also requested feedback and experiences from His Excellency Minister to inform Japan’s forward‑looking considerations aimed at improving and supporting the implementation of universal health care.
Notably, throughout the history of Cambodia–Japan relations, Japan has been one of Cambodia’s most important development partners in the health sector, particularly through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and various projects
