(Sihanoukville): Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command, reaffirmed the United States’ deep respect for Cambodia’s sovereignty and its commitment to strengthening bilateral ties during a press conference on Monday (Jan. 26) following his visit and a five-day port call at Ream Naval Base.

The port call in Cambodia was regarded as a symbol of the United States’ confidence in Cambodia's own sovereignty and a good-faith expression of our partnership moving forward.

Since 2006, the United States has conducted 37 port visits to Cambodia, he noted, underscoring ambitions to expand cooperation beyond annual visits. The two countries are working to increase port calls, maritime exercises, and joint operations to build capability and interoperability based on mutual respect.

“Our partnership is on a strong upward trajectory,” Paparo said, citing renewed engagement after the COVID19 pandemic. He highlighted recent strategic leader and defence dialogue talks held at Camp Smith in Hawaii, the USS Cincinnati port visit, and joint participation in ASEAN-US maritime exercises.

Planning is also underway to reinvigorate the Angkor Sentinel exercise, with formal preparations set to begin in late February or early March. Paparo said the exercise is expected to take place in late 2026 or early 2027.

Beyond military cooperation, Paparo emphasized broader collaboration, including efforts to support peace and stability in the region. He referenced discussions on the US role in helping resolve border-related tensions and reaffirmed a shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific where nations of all sizes can benefit from stability, security, and investment.

He also revealed that US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has expressed interest in visiting Cambodia within the coming year to further strengthen ties.

Paparo described his meeting with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet as highly productive, focusing on areas of mutual interest and regional peace. He praised the prime minister’s leadership and vision, noting that the US visit took place at the invitation of the Cambodian government.

“We hope for more opportunities to work closely together,” Paparo said, reaffirming the United States’ commitment to a growing partnership grounded in friendship and mutual respect.
=FRESH NEWS