Cambodia confirms participation in “Board of Peace” during U.S. military talks
Cambodia confirms participation in “Board of Peace” during U.S. military talks
PHNOM PENH, Jan 26, 2026 — Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said on Monday that Cambodia will take part in a “Board of Peace” initiative, describing the move as a demonstration of the country’s goodwill and strong commitment to global peace.
Hun Manet made the remarks during a meeting with Samuel Paparo, commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh, according to an official statement released on Monday.
During the meeting, Paparo expressed appreciation for Cambodia’s cooperation with the United States, particularly in the defence sector, and welcomed recent progress in bilateral military ties. He thanked the Cambodian government for allowing U.S. naval vessels to dock at Ream Naval Base, calling it a reflection of deepening defence cooperation.
Hun Manet said the port call by U.S. warships was tangible evidence of improving bilateral relations and expressed confidence that ties between the two countries would continue to expand.
The Cambodian leader also thanked Donald Trump for his role in facilitating a ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand, and for serving as a witness to the signing of the Kuala Lumpur Joint Statement in Malaysia in October 2025.
Hun Manet said Cambodia had received an invitation from Trump to join the Board of Peace and confirmed that Phnom Penh would participate, stressing that the decision underscored Cambodia’s commitment to peaceful conflict resolution and international cooperation.
He briefed Paparo on recent developments along the Cambodia–Thailand border and reaffirmed Cambodia’s position of strictly respecting the ceasefire and the Kuala Lumpur Joint Statement, while pursuing peaceful solutions based on international law, existing treaties and bilateral agreements.
In response, Paparo said Trump continued to closely follow developments along the border and emphasised the importance of the role played by ASEAN Observer Teams (AOT). He said Washington supports the continuation of the ASEAN observer mechanism and efforts to accelerate work under the Joint Boundary Commission to demarcate the border.
