Cambodian Defence Minister to Make First Official Visit to Australia

PHNOM PENH, Sept. 4, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister General Tea Seiha will make the country’s first official defence ministerial visit to Australia from Sept. 6 to 10, the Ministry of National Defence said Friday. General Tea will lead a high‑level delegation from the ministry and the High Command Headquarters of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, following an invitation from Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles. During the trip, General Tea is expected to hold bilateral talks with Marles and senior Australian military commanders. Defence officials from both sides will also convene a roundtable discussion on military cooperation and regional security. Topics on the agenda include maritime security, cyber security, information sharing, military education and training, and defence policy. The visit comes as Cambodia and Australia seek to strengthen defence ties and broader bilateral relations. The Cambodian ministry said the trip would reaffirm the “historic and friendly relations” between the two countries and contribute to expanded military cooperation. Officials added that the two governments are working toward upgrading their bilateral relationship to a “Comprehensive Partnership” in the near future.