US, Cambodia Declare Stronger Ties, Ushering in New Era with Open Skies Deal

On July 1, coinciding with the celebration of American Independence Day, the US Embassy in Cambodia declared that bilateral relations between the two nations are "stronger than ever." This assertion highlights a series of breakthroughs across defense, trade, aviation, health, and cultural cooperation, which both governments view as marking a new chapter in their ties. Speaking at the "Freedom 250 celebrations" at Koh Pich City Hall, US Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Aleks Zittle stated that the momentum in bilateral relations reflects tangible progress across multiple sectors, following last year's commemoration of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties. Zittle cited recent milestones including US support for peace efforts after the Cambodia-Thailand border conflict, renewed defense engagement, expanding commercial ties, growing health cooperation, and the preservation of Cambodia’s cultural heritage. Zittle noted that President Donald Trump had helped de-escalate tensions between Cambodia and Thailand and witnessed the signing of the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords, describing the initiative as "an example of how decisive leadership can create opportunity for peace and stability." She added, "While we celebrate this achievement, we also remember the victims of the conflict and the heavy toll it has taken on communities along the border. The US will continue supporting both countries as they work to uphold the ceasefire and implement the terms of the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords." The celebration came as the two countries continue to broaden cooperation beyond traditional development assistance into strategic economic and security partnerships. Among the most significant developments highlighted was the signing of the long-awaited US-Cambodia Open Skies Agreement, which concluded 12 years of negotiations. "If that wasn’t enough, let me tell you, just this morning, after 12 years of negotiation, the US and Cambodia signed the Open Skies Agreement, paving the way for new trade and investment, expanding prosperity on both sides of the Pacific," Zittle said. The aviation agreement complements an October 2025 Reciprocal Trade Agreement and follows Air Cambodia’s $3.24 billion purchase of Boeing aircraft, alongside the US International Development Finance Corporation’s planned $100 million investment in Phnom Penh’s Techo International Airport. Defense cooperation also featured prominently in both governments’ remarks. Zittle described the recent visit of the USS Cincinnati to Ream Naval Base—the first US Navy vessel to call at the facility since its renovation and reopening—as opening "a new chapter" in bilateral defense relations. "Earlier this year, the USS Cincinnati became the first US Navy ship ever to visit Ream Naval Base since its renovation and reopening, underscoring our shared commitment to upholding a free and open Indo-Pacific," she said. The US has also announced plans to resume the Angkor Sentinel joint military exercises, while expanding bilateral military engagement. Deputy Prime Minister Vongsey Vissoth attended the event as guest of honour, representing the Cambodian government. He echoed the assessment that bilateral ties had entered a more positive phase. "The Royal Government of Cambodia, under the leadership of Prime Minister Hun Manet, places great importance on its relationship with the US," he said. "Our two countries share more than 75 years of relationship that, through many chapters of history, have grown from strength to strength, more resilient and more promising," he added. He said Cambodia remained committed to strengthening cooperation "guided by the principle of mutual benefit, respect and trust." Vissoth pointed to expanding economic cooperation, noting that the US remains Cambodia’s largest export market and that new agreements on reciprocal trade, aviation and airport development were creating additional opportunities for investment. "The signing of the agreement on reciprocal trade and the Open Skies Agreement, alongside our cooperation on Techo International Airport, has meaningfully deepened our economic ties and opened additional pathways for our two countries to forge a dynamic and mutually beneficial partnership," he said. On security, Vissoth suggested renewed military engagement and cooperation against transnational crime reflected growing confidence between the two countries. "The recent port call by the USS Cincinnati to Ream Naval Base, along with the resumption of key programmes including the Angkor Sentinel exercise and strengthened cooperation between our law enforcement agencies, especially on combating online scams, stand as a tangible foundation of renewed trust and confidence in our growing bilateral relations," he said. Both governments also highlighted longstanding cooperation in mine clearance, healthcare, education and cultural preservation. The US has provided more than $220 million since 1993 to clear landmines and unexploded ordnance across Cambodia, while more than 170 looted Cambodian antiquities have been returned since 2001. Earlier this year, the two countries also signed their first bilateral health memorandum of understanding in Asia, aimed at strengthening disease surveillance and public health cooperation. Zittle said the relationship extended beyond diplomacy and commerce. "Through our bilateral cultural property agreement, we have helped facilitate the return of over 170 looted Cambodian antiquities and provided over $6.5 million to support and protect Cambodia’s cultural sovereignty and heritage," she said. "These efforts speak to the mutual respect that underpins our relationship." She concluded by expressing confidence that bilateral relations would continue expanding. "For 250 years, Americans have taken risks, overcome challenges, and achieved what others believed was impossible," she said. "That spirit is alive today… and it gives me confidence that the best of the US-Cambodia relationship still lies ahead," she declared. Information Source: Phnom Penh Post