Cambodia hosts ASEAN military medical chiefs meeting on CBRN preparedness

SIEM REAP, June 30, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia has hosted the 13th ASEAN Military Medicine Chiefs Conference, bringing together defence medical leaders to strengthen cooperation on preparedness and response to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) threats.

The two‑day meeting, held from June 28 to 29 in Siem Reap, was organised by Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence. Discussions focused on enhancing the resilience of ASEAN military medical services in tackling CBRN hazards and other emerging health challenges linked to security.

At the closing ceremony, Lieutenant General Meung Ponlok, Director General of the General Department of Logistics and Finance, said the conference underscored the importance of regional cooperation in improving military medical capabilities and emergency preparedness.

He warned that CBRN threats posed risks not only to national and regional security but also to public health, social stability and economic development.

Ponlok reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to working with ASEAN partners to strengthen emergency response capacity and safeguard regional health security.

He said the outcomes of the meeting would serve as a basis for future initiatives to improve coordination in crisis response.

Delegations from ASEAN member states, except Thailand and Timor‑Leste, attended. Cambodia formally handed over the conference flag to Laos, which will host the 14th edition next year.