Trump Invitation to Join “Peace Board” an Honor for Cambodia

PHNOM PENH, Jan. 22, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodian government spokesman Pen Bona said the invitation from US President Donald Trump to join a new international body aimed at ending the Gaza conflict was “an honor for Cambodia.”

Speaking at a press briefing, Bona added: “Although Cambodia is a small country, the world thinks of Cambodia when talking about peace. Peace is regarded by the Cambodian people as an important principle, and they see it as essential for Cambodia, the region, and the world.”

He said the invitation reflects the value of peace that the Royal Government of Cambodia has long sought to protect, noting that Prime Minister Samdech Hun Manet has continued to prioritise peace as a core mission of the country.

The invitation comes via a letter dated January 16, in which President Trump outlined plans for the “Board of Peace,” a transitional organisation designed to oversee stabilisation and reconstruction in Gaza.

The initiative is part of a broader 20‑point Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict, unveiled by Washington in September 2025 and later endorsed by the UN Security Council through Resolution 2803 in November.

The United States said it expects to convene participating nations soon, though details remain unclear regarding membership, funding, and the board’s authority relative to existing international institutions.

Supporters argue the initiative is needed after months of fighting and repeated ceasefire breakdowns, while critics question whether a new body can gain acceptance from all parties to the conflict.

Cambodia’s inclusion highlights its growing diplomatic profile. The country has previously contributed troops to UN peacekeeping missions in Africa and the Middle East and has consistently emphasised support for multilateral solutions to global crises.

For Washington, inviting Cambodia and other ASEAN states reflects an effort to build a geographically diverse coalition capable of supporting stability in Gaza and setting a precedent for future conflict resolution.