Cambodia and FBI Pledge to Strengthen Security Cooperation

Phnom Penh, Cambodia – July 22, 2026 – Prime Minister Hun Manet of the Kingdom of Cambodia met with Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel on the morning of July 22, 2026, at the Peace Palace. The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral security cooperation, particularly in combating cyber fraud. Director Patel expressed gratitude to the Cambodian government for its close cooperation and partnership with the FBI. He commended Cambodia's efforts and operations in cracking down on technologically-based fraud. Patel emphasized that cyber fraud is not an isolated issue for any single country and highlighted the critical importance of regional and global commitment and cooperation to combat this crime, rather than placing the burden on each other. He reaffirmed the United States' strong commitment to continuing its cooperation, support, and partnership with Cambodian law enforcement agencies, expressing optimism for the further growth of U.S.-Cambodia relations. In response, Prime Minister Hun Manet highly valued the positive progress in Cambodia-U.S. relations across various sectors, including economy, trade, investment, national defense, and security. He reiterated Cambodia's commitment to closely cooperating with the United States to combat transnational crime, drug trafficking, and technological fraud. The Prime Minister also announced that Cambodia will host an international conference on combating technological fraud in September 2026, aiming to contribute to strengthening international cooperation in addressing this regional and global challenge. He also thanked the United States for its past cooperation in information exchange and capacity building for Cambodian law enforcement officials. Before concluding, the Prime Minister and the FBI Director exchanged views on the future direction of security cooperation between Cambodia and the United States, emphasizing the importance of continued information exchange and capacity building for law enforcement officials to combat transnational crime, drug trafficking, and technological fraud.