US commander says Navy visits to Ream base show strengthening ties with Cambodia

PHNOM PENH, Jan 27, 2026 (KPT) – Admiral Samuel Paparo, head of the United States Indo-Pacific Command, said planned US Navy visits to Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base were “clear evidence” of growing military cooperation between the two countries.

Paparo made the remarks during talks with Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh on Monday, marking his second official visit to Cambodia.

He praised steady progress in US–Cambodia relations, particularly in defence, and thanked the government for allowing Navy vessels to dock at Ream, calling the move a tangible sign of strengthening ties.

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet welcomed the deepening cooperation, saying the port calls reflected the steadily growing relationship between Phnom Penh and Washington.

He also thanked US President Donald Trump for supporting the Cambodia–Thailand ceasefire and for witnessing the signing of the Kuala Lumpur Joint Statement in October 2025.

The prime minister briefed Paparo on developments along the border, reaffirming Cambodia’s commitment to respect the ceasefire and resolve disputes peacefully.

Paparo said Trump was closely monitoring the situation and stressed the importance of the ASEAN Observer Team, confirming US support for its continuation and for accelerating boundary demarcation efforts.