Cambodian Military Chief Meets US Pacific Fleet Commander, Agree to Bolster Bilateral Military Cooperation

On the morning of August 7, 2026, General Vong Pisen, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, received Admiral Stephen T. Koehler, Commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, for a courtesy call and working discussion at the General Headquarters. During the meeting, both sides highly valued the progress of Cambodia-U.S. military relations and cooperation, particularly between the navies of the two countries, through mutual visits, human resource training, naval ship port calls, and preparations for joint exercises scheduled for 2027. General Vong Pisen expressed gratitude to the United States for its contributions to Cambodia's peace process and development. He welcomed the continued strengthening of cooperation in national defense, counter-terrorism, transnational crime, the search for the remains of missing American servicemen, and enhancing military capabilities. The Commander-in-Chief also reiterated Cambodia's stance on resolving border issues peacefully, in accordance with international law, and not recognizing any alteration of border lines through military force. In response, Admiral Stephen T. Koehler praised Cambodia's commitment to peaceful dispute resolution and affirmed the continuation of strengthened cooperation with the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces. This includes the resumption of the "CARAT" exercise in 2027, cooperation in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and participation in the SEACAT exercise to contribute to regional peace and stability.