US Pacific Fleet Commander Affirms Strengthening Bilateral Military Cooperation with Cambodia, Resumption of 'CARAT' Exercise in 2027

Admiral Stephen T. Koehler, Commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, met with General Vong Pisen, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, at the General Headquarters in Phnom Penh on August 7, 2026. During the meeting, both sides highly assessed the progress of relations and military cooperation between Cambodia and the United States, particularly between the navies of the two countries, through mutual visits, human resource training, military ship calls, and preparations for joint exercises in 2027. Admiral Koehler highlighted the continued strengthening of bilateral military cooperation with the Cambodian Armed Forces, including the resumption of the joint exercise 'CARAT' in 2027. He also mentioned cooperation in humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and participation in the 'SEACAT' exercise to contribute to maintaining regional peace and stability. General Vong Pisen expressed gratitude for the U.S. contribution to Cambodia's peace process and development. He welcomed the continued strengthening of cooperation in the defense sector, counter-terrorism, transnational crime, the search for the remains of missing U.S. servicemen, and the enhancement of military capabilities. Furthermore, the Commander-in-Chief reiterated Cambodia's stance on peacefully resolving border issues in accordance with international law and not recognizing border changes made by military force. In response, Admiral Stephen T. Koehler praised Cambodia's commitment to peacefully resolving border issues between Cambodia and Thailand.