Press Release
February 16, 2026
- Global Environment
Signing of Memorandum of Cooperation on Environment with Ministry of Environment of the Kingdom of Cambodia
1. On February 16, 2026, ISHIHARA Hirotaka, Minister of the Environment of Japan, and H.E. Dr. EANG Sophalleth, Minister of Environment of the Kingdom of Cambodia, signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) between the Ministry of the Environment of Japan and the Ministry of Environment of the Kingdom of Cambodia on Environment.
2. Based on the MOC, both ministries will advance comprehensive environmental cooperation between the two countries in areas including climate change, waste management, and biodiversity.
■ Background
Japan and Cambodia upgraded their bilateral relations to a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” in 2023, marking 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.
In September 2025, during a meeting between the environment ministers of Japan and Cambodia, the direction for deepening environmental cooperation between the two countries was confirmed.
To advance environmental cooperation between Japan and Cambodia, ISHIHARA Hirotaka, Minister of the Environment of Japan, signed the MOC between the Ministry of the Environment of Japan and the Ministry of Environment of the Kingdom of Cambodia, with H.E. Dr. EANG Sophalleth, Minister of Environment of the Kingdom of Cambodia on the occasion of his visit to Japan.
Both ministries will advance comprehensive environmental cooperation between the two countries in areas including climate change, waste management, and biodiversity.
In September 2025, during a meeting between the environment ministers of Japan and Cambodia, the direction for deepening environmental cooperation between the two countries was confirmed.
To advance environmental cooperation between Japan and Cambodia, ISHIHARA Hirotaka, Minister of the Environment of Japan, signed the MOC between the Ministry of the Environment of Japan and the Ministry of Environment of the Kingdom of Cambodia, with H.E. Dr. EANG Sophalleth, Minister of Environment of the Kingdom of Cambodia on the occasion of his visit to Japan.
Both ministries will advance comprehensive environmental cooperation between the two countries in areas including climate change, waste management, and biodiversity.
■ Overview of the Signing Ceremony
Date and time:
February 16, 2026 15:15-15:45 (JST)
Venue:
Minister’s Office, Ministry of the Environment of Japan
Signed by:
ISHIHARA Hirotaka, Minister of the Environment of Japan
H.E. Dr. EANG Sophalleth, Minister of Environment of the Kingdom of Cambodia
Areas of cooperation:
1. Mitigation and Adaptation to Climate Change
2. Circular Economy including Waste Management and Resource Circulation such as for Plastics
3. Environmental Technology
4. Pollution prevention, reduction and quality control (e.g. air and water including plastic pollution)
5. Biodiversity Conservation (e.g. Nature Conservation and natural resource management)
6. Other areas as mutually decided upon
