Phnom Penh (FN), Jun. 4 – Samdech Techo Hun Sen and the US Secretary of Defence discussed various aspects of relations and cooperation between Cambodia and the United States, particularly in the military field in a meeting on Tuesday morning (Jun. 4) at the Senate.

Lloyd Austin expressed his commitment to work with Samdech Techo and the Royal Government to enhance Cambodia-US relations. He believed that this as a pivotal opportunity for both countries to recalibrate and enhance their attitudes and relations. Despite existing challenges, he believes that joint efforts can lead to significant improvements in their bilateral relationship.

Lloyd Austin agreed with Samdech Techo Hun Sen's suggestion to hold joint exercises focused on disaster relief. Additionally, he also announced the continuation of demining and unexploded ordnance training, as well as providing military scholarships to Cambodian students.

For his part, Samdech Techo Hun Sen agreed with the US Secretary of Defence's positive views on expanding bilateral relations.

Samdech Techo noted that while the relationship between the two countries is not too bad, it has suffered from a lack of mutual trust. To improve this, both sides need to focus on building trust. He also highlighted the issues of insufficient information sharing and misjudgments, which create confusion due to a lack of open discussion and exchange of information.

The Senate president also called on the US to exclude Cambodia from its geopolitical strategy and refrain from using the country as a battleground for competing geopolitical agendas. Samdech Techo affirmed that Cambodia's foreign policy is firmly grounded in legal principles.

Samdech Techo Hun Sen informed the US secretary of Defence that ongoing cooperation, including the dialogue between the two Ministries of Defence and joint exercises, must continue.
=FRESH NEWS