Cambodian commander meets U.S. Army Pacific chief, reaffirms commitment to closer military ties

PHNOM PENH, July 1, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening military cooperation following talks between the commanders of their armies, officials said Wednesday.

General Mao Sophan, commander of the Royal Cambodian Army, and General Ronald P. Clark, commanding general of the U.S. Army Pacific, held a video conference to review progress in bilateral relations and discuss future cooperation.

According to a statement from the Royal Cambodian Army, both sides welcomed advances under the Army Working Group, which has established a framework for expanding cooperation.

The commanders discussed plans to increase collaboration in training, capacity building and expert exchanges, saying the initiatives were intended to strengthen mutual trust and defence ties.

They also reviewed preparations to resume the Angkor Sentinel joint military exercise in 2027. The exercise is expected to improve joint operational capabilities, facilitate professional exchanges and reinforce cooperation between the two armed forces.

Last week, the U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh said senior military leaders from both countries had met to prepare for the exercise’s resumption.

The embassy said Angkor Sentinel is designed to strengthen bilateral military ties while enhancing peacekeeping, disaster response and regional preparedness, reflecting a shared commitment to promoting peace and stability across the Indo‑Pacific.