PM Hun Manet Aligns with US Gaza Initiative as Cambodia Signals Strategic Shift

PHNOM PENH, 23 February 2026 (KPT) – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has endorsed a major US-led initiative to restore peace and rebuild Gaza, during a visit to Washington that underscored deepening security and economic ties between Phnom Penh and Washington.

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet attended the inaugural session of the Board of Peace at the United States Institute of Peace on 19 February. The meeting, chaired by US President Donald Trump, saw Washington pledge $10 billion for reconstruction and stabilisation efforts.

Cambodia’s foreign ministry said other participating nations committed more than $7 billion, while the Board adopted Resolution No. 2026/02 to establish a voluntary financing mechanism for humanitarian relief, infrastructure rebuilding and long-term stabilisation. Several states also pledged personnel for an International Stabilisation Force.

The launch of the Board marks one of the most significant international coordination efforts on Gaza’s reconstruction to date.

Expanding US-Cambodia Cooperation Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet’s Washington visit also highlighted what both sides described as a strengthening bilateral relationship.

In meetings with Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and Deputy Secretary of Defense Elbridge A. Colby, he discussed expanding defence cooperation, tackling transnational online scam networks and boosting trade and investment.

Officials pointed to recent developments signalling improved ties: a visit to Cambodia by Admiral Samuel Paparo, head of US Indo-Pacific Command; a port call by the USS Cincinnati at Ream Naval Base; and the lifting of the US arms embargo on Cambodia.

Talks also touched on the possible resumption of joint military exercises, notably the Angkor Sentinel drills, which could take place in late 2026 or early 2027.

Cambodia’s foreign ministry reported that bilateral trade rose by 29 percent in 2025, with US investment continuing to grow.

Diplomatic Outreach and Regional Tensions On the sidelines of the Washington meetings, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet held talks with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán as the two countries marked 70 years of diplomatic relations.

He also met Indonesian Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto, Vietnamese President Tô Lâm, and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, as well as representatives of the Atlantic Council.

The Cambodian leader raised concerns over tensions along the border with Thailand, reiterating calls for disputes to be settled peacefully in line with international law and existing agreements, and urging restraint and the renunciation of force.

The visit represents one of the clearest signals yet that Cambodia is consolidating ties with Washington while seeking to maintain its regional diplomatic balance.