Cambodia Seeks Future Naval and Air Force Cooperation Agreements With Philippines
Cambodia Seeks Future Naval and Air Force Cooperation Agreements With Philippines
PHNOM PENH, October 20, 2026 — Cambodia and the Philippines have agreed to strengthen military cooperation, with plans to expand ties between their navies and air forces while enhancing collaboration against cross-border crime, cyberattacks and terrorism.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet made the remarks during a meeting with Philippine Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Antonio G. Natarrete and his delegation at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh on the morning of October 20.
Naval and Air Force Cooperation on the Agenda
General Natarrete thanked Hun Manet for receiving the delegation and reaffirmed the longstanding relationship between the two countries, particularly in defence and security.
He welcomed progress in cooperation between the two countries’ armies and expressed the Philippines’ commitment to further expanding military ties, particularly between their naval and air forces.
Hun Manet welcomed the delegation and congratulated Natarrete on his recent appointment as chief of staff of the Philippine Armed Forces.
The Cambodian prime minister praised progress in bilateral defence cooperation, particularly the sharing of experience, training and capacity-building between the two armies.
He expressed hope that army cooperation would continue to expand and that the two countries would move towards signing naval and air force cooperation agreements in the future. He also stressed the importance of translating such agreements into concrete activities and practical results.
Philippines’ Role in Cambodia–Thailand Border Issues
The meeting also covered developments along the Cambodia–Thailand border and the role of the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT), which Cambodia praised for its contribution to facilitating peaceful efforts to address border issues.
Hun Manet expressed confidence that, under the Philippines’ leadership, the AOT would continue to play an active role in supporting peaceful efforts to resolve the border situation.
He briefed the Philippine delegation on recent developments and reaffirmed Cambodia’s position that border issues should be resolved peacefully, based on bilateral agreements, existing conventions and treaties, and international law.
He also reiterated Cambodia’s commitment to respecting agreements previously reached between the two countries.
Joint Efforts Against Cross-Border Crime
The two sides also exchanged views on strengthening cooperation between their armed forces to address shared security threats, including technology-enabled scams, terrorism and cyberattacks.
The discussions underscored the importance of closer military coordination in contributing to peace, stability and prosperity in the region and worldwide.
The meeting reflects both countries’ stated intention to deepen defence ties while expanding cooperation on regional security challenges.
