Cambodian Defense Minister to Make Historic First Official Visit to Australia

Cambodia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense, General Tea Seiha, will lead a high-level delegation from the Ministry of National Defense and the General Command of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces on an official visit to Australia from September 6 to 10, 2026. This marks the first official visit in the history of Cambodia's defense relations with Australia. According to a notification, during this significant visit, Cambodia's Minister of National Defense is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Australia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, Richard Marles. Discussions are also planned with several Australian military service chiefs. Expert working groups from both defense ministries will also engage in discussions during a roundtable meeting. Key topics expected to be raised during these meetings include bilateral military cooperation in maritime security, cyber security, information sharing, professional military education and training, and national defense policy development, as well as regional security issues. This official visit will reaffirm the friendly and historic relationship between the two countries, particularly their military cooperation, which is progressively advancing. This strengthening of ties aligns with the policy of both governments to elevate bilateral relations to the level of a 'Comprehensive Partnership' in the near future.