AKP Phnom Penh, August 14, 2026 --

The United States has reaffirmed its commitment to further strengthening defence cooperation with Cambodia, highlighting the importance of mutual respect, sovereignty and shared interests.

The commitment was made by H.E. Elbridge A. Colby, U.S. Under Secretary of War for Policy, during a courtesy meeting with Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh on Friday.

H.E. Elbridge A. Colby spoke highly of the progress in bilateral relations between the United States and Cambodia, particularly in the defence sector. He stressed that U.S.-Cambodia cooperation is based on mutual respect, respect for sovereignty and shared interests.

He also underlined that Cambodia is an important partner of the United States, reaffirming its commitment to further deepening and strengthening defence cooperation with Cambodia.

In response, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet expressed his satisfaction with the positive progress in Cambodia-U.S. relations, including in the defence sector. He highly valued the continuation of various military cooperation programmes between the two countries and reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to further advancing such cooperation.

The Prime Minister also welcomed the progress in preparations for the Angkor Sentinel military exercise, scheduled to take place in 2027, as well as continued cooperation to strengthen the capabilities of the Cambodian armed forces.

He stressed that military exercises and training not only enhance military capabilities but also serve as a bridge for building closer friendship between the armed forces of the two countries.

On the occasion, Samdech Thipadei expressed his appreciation to U.S. President Donald J. Trump and the U.S. Government for their role in facilitating the ceasefire and the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration signed on Oct. 26, 2025, as well as for their continued attention to peacebuilding between Cambodia and Thailand.

Before concluding the meeting, Samdech Thipadei briefed the U.S. Under Secretary of War for Policy on the latest developments along the Cambodia-Thailand border.

He highlighted Cambodia’s commitment and position to resolve border issues peacefully, based on international law and in accordance with the existing conventions, treaties and agreements between the two countries.

By C. Nika