On the morning of January 26, 2026, Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, received a courtesy call and held high-level working discussions with Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command, at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh.
The meeting reflected the growing depth of cooperation and mutual trust between Cambodia and the United States, especially in the fields of defense, security, regional stability, and global peacebuilding.
Strong U.S.–Cambodia Relations Recognized
During the meeting, Admiral Samuel Paparo expressed his sincere appreciation and pleasure at meeting Prime Minister Hun Manet once again during his second official visit to Cambodia. He highly praised the positive progress of U.S.–Cambodia relations, particularly the strengthening of defense cooperation between the two nations. Admiral Paparo also thanked the Royal Government of Cambodia for allowing U.S. Navy vessels to dock at Ream Naval Base, emphasizing that this cooperation is concrete evidence of deeper military-to-military trust and expanding bilateral engagement.
In response, Prime Minister Hun Manet highly valued the excellent defense cooperation achieved in recent years and confirmed that the presence of U.S. naval vessels in Cambodia reflects the real and growing strength of bilateral relations. He reaffirmed Cambodia’s strong confidence that the partnership between both countries will continue to expand in a constructive and sustainable manner.
Cambodia Joins President Trump’s “Board of Peace”
A major highlight of the meeting was Prime Minister Hun Manet’s confirmation that Cambodia has officially received an invitation from President Donald J. Trump to participate in the “Board of Peace.” Cambodia has accepted the invitation and will join this important international platform.
This decision demonstrates Cambodia’s strong goodwill and firm commitment to global peace, showing that the Kingdom is ready to contribute responsibly to international stability and conflict resolution.
Prime Minister Hun Manet also expressed deep gratitude to President Donald J. Trump for his vital role in facilitating the Cambodia–Thailand ceasefire and for serving as a witness during the signing of the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration on October 26, 2025, in Malaysia. This agreement marked a significant step toward restoring peace and dialogue between the two neighboring countries.
Commitment to Peaceful Border Resolution
Prime Minister Hun Manet briefed Admiral Paparo on the current developments along the Cambodia–Thailand border, reaffirming Cambodia’s firm stance on strictly respecting the ceasefire and fully implementing the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration.
Cambodia remains committed to resolving all border matters peacefully, based on international law, existing treaties, and established agreements, with the goal of achieving a long-term, stable, and peaceful border.
U.S. Support for ASEAN and Regional Stability
In response, Admiral Samuel Paparo conveyed that President Donald J. Trump continues to closely follow the Cambodia–Thailand border situation and supports the full implementation of the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration.
He emphasized the constructive importance of the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) and confirmed that the United States supports the continuation of the AOT mechanism, as well as the acceleration of the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) process for boundary measurement and demarcation between the two countries.
Cambodia’s Rising Role on the World Stage
This high-level engagement highlights Cambodia’s growing international credibility, responsible diplomacy, and increasing role in regional and global peace initiatives. By strengthening strategic cooperation with the United States and participating in President Trump’s Board of Peace, Cambodia demonstrates its readiness to contribute actively to security, stability, and long-term peace — not only for the region, but for the world.
Cambodia’s voice is becoming stronger, its partnerships deeper, and its commitment to peace clearer than ever.
