Cambodia Briefs Russia  On Border Crisis At ASEAN Talks

MANILA, July 22, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn has briefed Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on the situation along the Cambodia‑Thailand border during regional meetings in the Philippines, his ministry said Wednesday.

The two ministers met late July 21 on the sidelines of a gala dinner hosted by Philippine Foreign Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro in Manila. Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said Prak updated Lavrov on recent border developments but gave no further details.

Prak recalled the June 18 talks between Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Kazan, describing them as productive.

He also referred to his meeting with Russia’s Agriculture Minister Oksana Lut, who co‑chairs the Cambodia‑Russia Intergovernmental Commission.

The encounter came as foreign ministers gathered in Manila for ASEAN events, including the July 20 interface with the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights and the session of the Southeast Asia Nuclear‑Weapon‑Free Zone Commission, chaired by the Philippines.

Prak highlighted humanitarian challenges facing civilians displaced by the border conflict with Thailand.

He said more than 20,000 people remain in temporary shelters, with children unable to attend school and vulnerable groups struggling to access essential services despite government assistance.

He urged ASEAN partners to support efforts enabling displaced civilians to return home safely and resume normal livelihoods.