AKP Phnom Penh, July 17, 2026 -- The Spokesperson for the Ministry of Information has called for closer cooperation between provincial information departments and journalists, stressing that stronger coordination is essential to prevent ethical violations, curb misinformation, and protect the country's national security, particularly on sovereignty protection and military-related reporting.

Speaking at an orientation meeting on media affairs and public opinion for officials of the Banteay Meanchey Provincial Department of Information on July 15, Ministry of Information Spokesperson, H.E. Tep Asnarith, who also serves as Undersecretary of State, urged provincial authorities to establish stronger working relationships with local and visiting journalists to ensure the dissemination of accurate, credible, and timely information.

H.E. Tep Asnarith said effective communication between government institutions and the media would help journalists gain better access to official information, interviews with relevant authorities, and verified facts, enabling them to produce professional and balanced reports while reducing the risk of misinformation and legal disputes.

According to H.E. Tep Asnarith, provincial information departments should maintain regular engagement with journalists across the country and provide timely support whenever possible, especially when reporting on issues involving national defence, territorial integrity, and security.

The spokesperson also encouraged journalists to work closely with the Ministry of Information and all 25 municipal and provincial information departments to foster a culture of cooperation and responsible journalism based on professional ethics.

"The ultimate objective is to ensure that media reporting remains accurate, responsible, and does not jeopardise national security or harm individual reputations," he said, adding that strict adherence to journalistic ethics is essential to maintaining public trust.

Referring to previous security incidents, H.E. Tep Asnarith noted that during periods of heightened border tensions with Thailand, a small number of journalists had unintentionally published reports containing sensitive military information that could have affected national security.

"Instead of supporting national interests, such reporting became a burden and created serious consequences," he said. "This serves as an important lesson that cooperation and coordination between authorities and journalists are not only necessary to improve professional standards but are also a shared responsibility in protecting the nation's interests."

Meanwhile, Mr. Sek Sokhom, Director of the Banteay Meanchey Provincial Department of Information, expressed full support for the ministry's guidance and pledged close cooperation with journalists from across Cambodia.

Mr. Sek Sokhom said the department stands ready to facilitate access to relevant authorities and institutions for reporters working in the province, helping them carry out their duties efficiently while complying with professional journalistic ethics.

By Heng Panha