(Phnom Penh): Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet received a courtesy call from Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command, on Monday (Jan. 26) at the Peace Palace.
During the meeting, Admiral Samuel Paparo expressed his pleasure at meeting Samdech Borvor Thipadei once again during his second visit to Cambodia. He expressed his satisfaction with and high appreciation for the positive progress in US–Cambodia relations, particularly in the area of defence cooperation.
At the same time, Admiral Samuel Paparo thanked the Royal Government of Cambodia for allowing a US Navy vessel to dock at Ream Naval Base, noting that this reflects the deepening military relations between the two countries.
In response, Samdech Thipadei highly valued the strong defence cooperation between the two countries over the years and emphasised that the recent docking of a US Navy ship in Cambodia represents a tangible outcome of the steadily strengthening bilateral relationship.
Samdech Thipadei expressed his firm belief that relations between the two countries will continue to be further strengthened and expanded.
On this occasion, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet also onveyed his deep appreciation to US President Donald Trump for his significant role in facilitating the Cambodia–Thailand ceasefire and for serving as a witness to the signing of the “Kuala Lumpur Joint Statement” on 26 October 2025 in Malaysia.
Samdech Thipadei also informed Admiral Samuel Paparo that Cambodia has received an invitation from President Donald Trump to join the “Board of Peace” and confirmed Cambodia’s participation, demonstrating its strong goodwill and commitment to global peace.
Samdech Thipadei further briefed Admiral Samuel Paparo on the latest developments regarding the Cambodia–Thailand border situation and reaffirmed Cambodia’s clear and firm position in strictly adhering to the ceasefire agreement and the Kuala Lumpur Joint Statement. He emphasised Cambodia’s commitment to resolving disputes peacefully, based on international law, existing treaties, and agreements, with the aim of achieving a lasting and peaceful border.
In reply, Admiral Samuel Paparo informed Samdech Thipadei that President Donald J. Trump continues to pay close attention to the Cambodia–Thailand border situation and the implementation of the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration.
He also underscored the constructive role of the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) and reaffirmed that the United States continues to support the continuation of the AOT mechanism, as well as the acceleration of the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) process for border demarcation between the two countries.
=FRESH NEWS
