Cambodia PM’s foreign policy stresses sovereignty, national interest

PHNOM PENH, July 2, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia’s foreign policy under Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet is focused on safeguarding national interests, sovereignty and territorial integrity, a senior official said Wednesday.

Jean‑François Tain, Minister Delegate attached to the Prime Minister in charge of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, told reporters that all diplomatic activities carried out by Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet over the past six months had pursued a single objective: advancing Cambodia’s national interest.

Speaking at the eighth press forum of the Royal Government Spokesperson Unit in Phnom Penh, he said the government’s foreign policy remained “independent, sovereign, balanced and open,” with an emphasis on peace and national development.

Tain said Cambodia was seeking to expand partnerships, strengthen existing ties and deepen economic cooperation with countries in the region and beyond, while prioritising dialogue and peaceful dispute resolution over confrontation.

He outlined three priorities guiding foreign policy: protecting sovereignty and territorial integrity, diversifying international partnerships, and using diplomacy to support economic growth, investment and employment.

On border issues with Thailand, Tain said Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet had repeatedly raised Cambodia’s concerns in meetings with foreign counterparts, citing what Cambodia describes as the presence of Thai troops on Cambodian territory and the construction of infrastructure in disputed areas.

Cambodia rejects what it considers unilateral attempts to alter internationally recognised borders, he added.

Despite the disputes, Tain reiterated Cambodia’s position that border issues should be resolved peacefully, based on international law, treaties and bilateral agreements.

On maritime matters, he said Cambodia had opted to use compulsory conciliation mechanisms under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), following Thailand’s withdrawal from a 2001 memorandum of understanding.