AKP Phnom Penh, January 26, 2026 --

Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet and visiting H.E. Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, have expressed their satisfaction with the positive momentum in the relations between the two countries, particularly in military cooperation. 

They welcomed the progress during their meeting here at the Peace Palace this morning. Admiral Paparo expressed his delight to visit Cambodia for the second time, and thanked the Royal Government of Cambodia for permitting U.S. Navy vessel to dock at Ream Naval Base, describing the move as a clear sign of deepening bilateral defence ties.

For his part, Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet noted that the current U.S. naval port call reflects the strengthening Cambodia-U.S. partnership. He expressed confidence that bilateral relations would continue to expand in the future.

The Prime Minister also conveyed his appreciation to U.S. President Donald J. Trump for his important role in facilitating the Cambodia-Thailand ceasefire and for witnessing the signing of the Kuala Lumpur Joint Statement on Oct. 26, 2025. 

He briefed Admiral Paparo on the latest developments along the Cambodia-Thailand border and reaffirmed Cambodia’s firm commitment to upholding the ceasefire and resolving disputes peacefully in accordance with international law.

In response, Admiral Paparo said President Trump continues to closely follow the border situation and supports full implementation of the Kuala Lumpur Joint Statement. He reiterated U.S. support for the continued deployment of the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) and for accelerating the work of the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) to advance border demarcation between Cambodia and Thailand.

By Heng Panha