Phnom Penh (FN), Dec. 19 – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Commander for the United States Indo-Pacific Command Samuel Paparo expressed mutual satisfaction with the progress in defence relations and cooperation between Cambodia and the US, announcing plans for further enhancements.

Samdech Thipadei received a courtesy call by Samuel Paparo on 18 December 2024 at the Peace Palace.

During the meeting, the commander informed Samdech Thipadei that his visit, along with his delegation, aimed to strengthen and expand Cambodian-US relations, particularly in the defence sector, building on the recent visit by US Secretary of Defence Lloyd James Austin III.

The commander expressed satisfaction with the docking of the US warship USS Savannah at the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port, marking the first port call in eight years. He pledged to deepen cooperation between the two militaries through officer exchanges at all levels, training programs, and joint military exercises.

Additionally, he conveyed his gratitude for Cambodia’s continued cooperation in the humanitarian effort to locate and recover the remains of US soldiers missing in action.

For his part, Samdech Thipadei expressed his satisfaction and high regard for the positive relations and defense cooperation between Cambodia and the US, warmly welcoming the delegation from the US Indo-Pacific Command. He expressed confidence that the visit and the docking of the USS Savannah would further strengthen and expand bilateral defense relations.

Through the delegation’s visit and the docking of the USS Savannah, Samdech Thipadei is confident that the relations and cooperation in the defense sector of the two countries will be further strengthened and expanded.

On the occasion, Samdech Thipadei reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to continuing its cooperation with the US in the search for the remains of missing soldiers.

Both sides also discussed opportunities to enhance collaboration in areas including training programs, peacekeeping operations under the United Nations, and mine clearance efforts.
=FRESH NEWS