Cambodia and US Vow to Strengthen Cooperation Amidst US Support for Peaceful Resolution of Border Issues

Cambodia and the United States have reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening friendship and expanding cooperation in various sectors, while the US side expressed its keen attention to the situation along the Cambodia-Thailand border and support for peaceful resolution through diplomatic dialogue and respect for international law. This affirmation was made during a courtesy call between Prak Sokhonn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and Ms. Aleksandra Zittle, the new Chargé d'Affaires ad interim of the US Embassy to the Kingdom of Cambodia, on the morning of July 9, 2026. During the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Prak Sokhonn welcomed Ms. Aleksandra Zittle on her second diplomatic mission to Cambodia, expressing confidence that her tenure will contribute to deepening the relations and cooperation between the two countries. The two sides discussed strengthening the long-term partnership and expanding cooperation in trade and investment, national defense, security, combating transnational crime, economic development, and cultural heritage preservation. They also noted the positive momentum in Cambodia-US relations in recent years, reflected in increased trade, investment, people-to-people exchanges, and continuous high-level communications. On this occasion, Ms. Aleksandra Zittle congratulated Cambodia on its selection as a member of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO for the 2026-2030 mandate. Concurrently, Deputy Prime Minister Prak Sokhonn thanked the United States for its financial assistance for the conservation of the Phnom Bakheng temple in the Angkor Archaeological Park. Regarding the Cambodia-Thailand border situation, Deputy Prime Minister Prak Sokhonn briefed the US side on recent developments and reiterated Cambodia's commitment to resolving disputes peacefully, in accordance with international law and existing bilateral agreements. He also expressed gratitude to the United States for its continued support for peace, stability, and constructive engagement in the region, including financial assistance. In response, Ms. Aleksandra Zittle praised Cambodia's rapid economic and social development and highly valued the good cooperation between the Cambodian government and the United States, particularly in the security sector. She affirmed that the United States is closely monitoring the developments on the Cambodia-Thailand border and welcomes Cambodia's commitment to seeking peaceful solutions through dialogue and diplomacy. The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to maintaining close dialogue and further expanding cooperation to promote mutual interests between Cambodia and the United States, as well as contributing to peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.