AKP Phnom Penh, January 10, 2026 —

The United States has reaffirmed its commitment to regional stability, pledging US$35 million in aid to Cambodia following high-level talks focused on easing border tensions with Thailand and combatting transnational cybercrime.

The announcement came Saturday during a meeting between Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet and H.E. Michael George DeSombre, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs.

Assistant Secretary DeSombre conveyed President Donald Trump’s continued focus on the Cambodia-Thailand border situation. He emphasised the importance of adhering to the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration signed on Oct. 26, 2025, which established a framework for de-escalation between the neighbouring nations.

As part of the U.S.’ support for the peace process, Assistant Secretary DeSombre announced a US$25 million humanitarian package: US$15 million to support displaced persons affected by recent border armed conflict, and US$10 million for humanitarian demining and the clearance of unexploded ordnance (UXO).

Assistant Secretary DeSombre also welcomed the recent release of 18 Cambodian soldiers, who have since returned to their families, as a positive step toward a lasting ceasefire.

In response, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet expressed gratitude for the U.S. role in mediating the ceasefire and facilitating the Kuala Lumpur agreement. He reaffirmed Cambodia's stance on resolving territorial disputes through peaceful diplomacy.

"Cambodia remains committed to a peaceful resolution based on international law, existing treaties, and bilateral agreements," the Prime Minister stated.

He urged continued U.S. support in ensuring the full implementation of the General Border Committee (GBC) Special Meeting Joint Statement adopted on Dec. 27, 2025. Key priorities include the safe return of civilians to border areas and the resumption of the Joint Boundary Commission’s work to formally demarcate the land boundary.

Beyond border security, the two officials hailed a "notable progression" in U.S.-Cambodia relations. 

They agreed to expand cooperation in trade, investment, security, defence and people-to-people exchanges.

Addressing the rise of regional security threats, Assistant Secretary DeSombre pledged an additional US$10 million to bolster Cambodia’s capacity to combat transnational crime, specifically targeting the surge in online scam operations and technology-based fraud.

By K. Rithy Reak