Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (PDASD) Jed Royal also met with Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) General Vong Pisen on February 26. RCAF
The commander of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) has explained how the recent visit by Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (PDASD) Jed Royal will enhance relations between Cambodia and the US.
RCAF commander-in-chief General Vong Pisen met with Royal on February 26.
During the meeting, both sides made mention of improved relations and cooperation between the two countries, with Pisen viewing the visit as furthering their relationship, according to an RCAF social media post.
“Cambodia adheres to a policy of independence, based on international law and the building of friendships. We are committed to strengthening and expanding cooperation with all countries around the world, as well as numerous international organisations. We play an active part in maintaining peace, stability, security and prosperity in the region and the world,” he explained.
He added that the Ministry of National Defence and the RCAF appreciate increasing cooperation between the Cambodian and US militaries. The US recently resumed the provision of security training and English language instruction to Cambodian officers, and RCAF members have attended several meetings organised by the US army.
During the meeting, Pisen requested that the US continue to support the Cambodian military through human resource training, an exchange of visits and intelligence sharing in order to combat terrorism and cross-border crimes. He also welcomed continued cooperation in peacekeeping missions, humanitarian work and disaster relief.
According to the RCAF’s social media post, Royal expressed his admiration of Cambodia’s development, noting that the US is not only a partner of the Kingdom, but in partnership with ASEAN.
In a February 28 press release, the US embassy in Phnom Penh announced that Royal had discussed existing defence cooperation. It described the discussions as an opportunity for continuous relations in regional challenges, while acknowledging the importance of protecting Cambodian sovereignty.
“Royal acknowledged that some challenges remain in defence relations, but reiterated the US’ renewed interest in continued cooperation on common interests by addressing sectors of concern,” it said.
To this end, Royal requested that US military cooperation with the RCAF be resumed, especially in the fields of mine and unexploded ordnance (UXO) clearance work, as well as increased Cambodian participation in events and training courses at the Daniel K Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies.
Pisen supported Royal’s suggestion, noting that the Cambodian government has set the “Mine-Free Cambodia 2025” goal. He also proposed the establishment of a working group which will identify potential areas for further cooperation.
Prime Minister Hun Manet also met with US Department of State assistant secretary for East Asian and Pacific affairs Daniel Kritenbrink on February 26 to discuss the progress of relations and cooperation between the two countries, through bilateral and multilateral frameworks.
Kritenbrink said the US intends to strengthen and expand cooperation, especially when Cambodia becomes the Country Coordinator for ASEAN-US Dialogue Relations (from July 2024 to July 2027).
