Cambodia and US discuss closer ties and border security at Phnom Penh talks

PHNOM PENH, Jan 10,2025 (KPT)— Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn met senior US diplomat Michael George DeSombre in Phnom Penh on Friday to discuss strengthening bilateral ties and regional security.

The talks came during a brief visit by DeSombre, the US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, following his courtesy call on Prime Minister Hun Manet.

Both sides welcomed what they described as steadily improving relations, particularly in trade, investment, and defence cooperation, according to Cambodia’s foreign ministry.

Washington hailed Air Cambodia’s decision to purchase at least 10 Boeing aircraft, calling it a sign of growing economic ties. The two countries also agreed to step up cooperation against cybercrime, including online scams affecting multiple nations.

Prak Sokhonn thanked the US for providing $10 million to strengthen Cambodia’s law enforcement capacity.

Regional security featured prominently, with Prak briefing DeSombre on the situation along the Cambodia–Thailand border. He said Phnom Penh’s priorities were to uphold the ceasefire, enable displaced civilians to return, and accelerate border demarcation.

Prak expressed appreciation to the United States, and President Donald Trump in particular, for what he described as a key role in facilitating the July 2025 ceasefire and a subsequent peace agreement signed in Kuala Lumpur in October.

He said Cambodia valued continued US support for implementing the truce, as outlined in a joint statement by the two countries’ border committees in December.

DeSombre reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to encouraging full compliance with the ceasefire, further de-escalation, and the resumption of border demarcation talks.

He also welcomed the release of 18 Cambodian soldiers who have since returned to their families.

Cambodia’s foreign minister further thanked the US for allocating $15 million to support displaced border communities in both Cambodia and Thailand, as well as an additional $10 million for humanitarian demining efforts.