US and Cambodia discuss border, security and trade cooperation

PHNOM PENH, Feb 20, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet met US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau in Washington this week on the sidelines of the inaugural “Board of Peace” meeting, officials said Friday.

The talks underscored a warming relationship between the two countries, with discussions ranging from Cambodia’s border with Thailand and measures to combat online scams targeting Americans, to defence cooperation and new trade and investment opportunities, according to the US State Department.

Landau welcomed Cambodia’s role as a founding member of the Board of Peace, an initiative launched by President Donald Trump, praising Phnom Penh’s contribution to international peace efforts, including in Gaza.

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet also met US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on Wednesday. Bilateral trade surged nearly 29 percent in 2025, reflecting renewed momentum in economic ties as both sides vowed to deepen cooperation.

Earlier this year, Washington pledged $45 million in assistance to Cambodia and Thailand to support Trump’s peace initiatives, alongside $20 million to combat scams, drug trafficking and other cross border threats, senior US diplomat Michael DeSombre said.

In a significant gesture, the US Commerce Department this week removed Cambodia from its arms sale blacklist, signalling a thaw in military relations.

The move opens the door to expanded defence cooperation and marks a broader reset in US Cambodia ties, spanning security, trade and diplomacy.