Japan announces military co-op with Cambodia

PHNOM PENH, Aug. 7 (Xinhua) -- Japan's Defense Ministry will deepen bilateral ties with Cambodia's Defense Ministry in attempt to strengthen security in the region and the world, local newspapers reported Tuesday.

Japanese Deputy Defense Minister Takahide Kimura announced a plan during a meeting with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on Monday in Phnom Penh, the Koh Santepheap newspaper said.

The military collaboration is a result of a deal struck between the two countries during Hun Sen's visit to Japan in June, Takahide Kimura was quoted as saying.

Eang Sophalleth, advisor to the premier, said Hun Sen welcomed the cooperation and asked the Japanese side to train the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces in engineering so that they can construct roads in rural areas and assist people during national emergencies, the Rasmei Kampuchea newspaper said.