Prime Minister Hun Sen has extended his "heartfelt" congratulations to Fumio Kishida for having been elected as the new prime minister of Japan, following his victory in the recent Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leadership election.

Kishida, 64, rises to power following the resignation of his predecessor Yoshihide Suga after one year in office. He won the election of Japan's ruling LDP last week.

In his letter to Kishida on October 4, Hun Sen said the victory reflects the confidence and support he has gained from LDP members and the Japanese people alike.

“With your abundant experience in both legislative and executive institutions, I strongly believe that, under your wise and able leadership, Japan will continue to prosper, and will be able to overcome the Covid-19 crisis and emerge even stronger,” Hun Sen said.

Hun Sen said he looked forward to working closely with Kishida to further consolidate and broaden the close bond of friendship and strategic partnership between Cambodia and Japan, for the mutual benefits of the two nations, and for peace, stability and prosperity in the region and beyond.