(Phnom Penh): On Monday morning (Apr. 6), two Russian warships from the Pacific Fleet arrived at Sihanoukville Autonomous Port for a three-day official visit to Cambodia.

The vessels, Sovershenny (No. 333) and Rezky (No. 343), are commanded by Captains First Rank Shmagin Artem and Kovalev Evgenii. Together, they carry a crew of approximately 262 personnel. Each ship measures about 104 meters in length and has a displacement exceeding 2,000 tons.

The warships docked at around 9:00 a.m., where they were warmly welcomed by Rear Admiral In Sokhemara, Deputy Commander of Ream Naval Base of the Royal Cambodian Navy, along with 60 Cambodian naval personnel. Russian Ambassador to Cambodia Anatoly Borovik also attended the port call.

The visit, which runs from April 6 to April 8, reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral ties and expand defence cooperation between Cambodia and Russia.

During their stay, the commanding officers and crew are scheduled to tour Sihanoukville Province and pay courtesy visits to provincial leaders, as well as Vice Admiral Mey Dina, Commander of Ream Naval Base. Minister of National Defence Tea Seiha and other senior defence officials are also expected to visit the ships.

Planned activities include guided tours of the vessels for students, university attendees, and teachers from the Russian Embassy School, as well as a friendly football match between Cambodian and Russian naval personnel.

Russian naval visits to Cambodia have become increasingly frequent in recent years. In April and May 2025, several vessels, including Hero of the Russian Federation Aldar Tsydenzhapov, Rezky, and the medium sea tanker Pechenga, also docked at Sihanoukville Autonomous Port, highlighting continued efforts to deepen cooperation between the two countries.

Since 2011, Russian warships have docked in Cambodia on eight occasions, totalling 18 vessels.
=FRESH NEWS