AKP Phnom Penh, April 05, 2025 -- Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, this morning announced that the Ream Naval Base is now open to warships from all friendly countries, provided they are less than 20,000 tonnes.
 
While presiding over the inauguration ceremony of Ream Naval Base modernisation achievements and Cambodia-China Ream Joint Logistics and Training Centre in Kampong Som city, Preah Sihanouk province, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet explained that the naval base had been closed since 2022 due to ongoing construction. With the modernisation now complete, Cambodia is ready to welcome naval cooperation with international partners.

“From now on, Cambodia welcomes all friendly parties to come. […]. Warships from any country weighing less than 20,000 tonnes may enter, provided prior notice is given, except in urgent cases. We have nothing to hide. This is our stance to maintain friendship with all parties,” he said.

The Premier also reiterated Cambodia’s commitment to continue strengthening its naval capabilities to safeguard the national sovereignty and maritime security.

“No one can defend Cambodia's sovereignty better than Cambodia herself. Modernising the armed forces and building the capacity to protect against all forms of warfare and crime is essential,” he stressed

The Prime Minister also took the opportunity to reaffirm that the Ream Naval Base remains fully under Cambodian sovereignty and control.

“I solemnly declare that the Royal Government of Cambodia, led by the Cambodian People's Party, will never allow any foreign military base to be established in Cambodia—neither in the past, the present, nor the future,” he emphasised.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence H.E. Gen. Tea Seiha said that the newly inaugurated facilities, covering a total area of 787,673 square metres, include a military port, a 5,000-tonne dry dock, a 1,000-tonne slip way, office buildings, dormitories, office buildings and other logistics infrastructure.

By Heng Panha