Phnom Penh, 10 February 2025:  ERIA President Tetsuya Watanabe, accompanied by an ERIA delegation, paid a courtesy visit to His Excellency Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate of Cambodia, at his office on 10 February 2025.

During the meeting, H.E. Hun Sen warmly welcomed President Watanabe and the delegation, expressing his appreciation for ERIA’s continued engagement with Cambodia and its contributions to the ASEAN region. In his response, President Watanabe reaffirmed ERIA’s commitment to supporting Cambodia’s development and strengthening regional cooperation.

A key focus of the discussion was the upcoming ERIA School of Government Leadership Lecture, which H.E. Hun Sen is  scheduled to deliver in Jakarta in March. Prof. Nobuhiro Aizawa, Dean of the ERIA School of Government, outlined the vision and objectives of the Leadership Lecture Series, emphasising its role in preserving Southeast Asia’s institutional memory.

H.E. Hun Sen underscored the importance of learning from Southeast Asia’s experiences and indicated his intention to reflect on his legacy and share insights from Cambodia’s peace process, drawing on his extensive experience with both regional and global partners. Both parties agreed on the significance of the lecture in inspiring future leaders and advancing regional dialogue on peacebuilding and development.

This visit reinforces the longstanding partnership between ERIA and Cambodia, highlighting their shared commitment to regional stability and economic growth.