Cambodia, US vow closer ties after ASEAN talks

MANILA, July 24, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Manila, pledging to deepen bilateral relations and expand cooperation under the ASEAN‑US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

The Cambodian foreign ministry said Sokhonn reaffirmed Phnom Penh’s commitment to work closely with Washington, which is coordinating the partnership for 2024‑2027.

He expressed appreciation to US President Donald Trump for support in facilitating a ceasefire agreement and the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord, and briefed Rubio on developments along the Cambodia‑Thailand border.

The meeting came after Lieutenant General Rath Dararoth, Secretary of State at Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence, led a Royal Cambodian Armed Forces delegation to the fourth Cambodia‑US Defence Policy Dialogue in Washington on 22 July.

The Pentagon talks agreed to boost military cooperation, signalling a renewed defence partnership ahead of the planned return of the Angkor Sentinel joint exercise in 2027.

Officials said the dialogue underscored both sides’ interest in strengthening defence ties, with discussions covering regional security, humanitarian assistance, and military exchanges.

The revival of Angkor Sentinel, suspended in recent years, was described as a milestone in rebuilding trust.

Separately, at the ASEAN Post‑Ministerial Conference with the United States, Rubio described ASEAN as the cornerstone of US engagement in Southeast Asia.

He reaffirmed Washington’s long‑term commitment to the bloc, saying the partnership is based on strategic interests and will remain a priority for the United States.