Cambodia Welcomes Renewed Military Cooperation With US
Cambodia Welcomes Renewed Military Cooperation With US
PHNOM PENH, Aug. 14, 2026 — Cambodia has welcomed progress towards resuming joint military exercises with the United States in 2027, with Prime Minister Hun Manet saying the planned drills would strengthen the capabilities of Cambodian forces and deepen military ties between the two countries.
Hun Manet expressed his support during a meeting with Elbridge A. Colby, the US undersecretary of war for policy, where the two sides discussed the development of Cambodia-US bilateral relations, particularly in defence cooperation.
Hun Manet said he was pleased with preparations for the Angkor Sentinel military exercise, which is expected to take place in 2027, describing it as not only an opportunity to strengthen military capabilities but also a bridge for closer friendship between the armed forces of the two countries.
He also welcomed continued US cooperation in strengthening the capabilities of Cambodia’s armed forces, based on mutual respect, respect for sovereignty and shared interests.
Cambodia and the United States are expected, subject to further arrangements, to resume joint exercises involving both land and maritime forces in 2027.
The Carat maritime exercise and Angkor Sentinel land exercise are expected to form part of the renewed military cooperation.
Angkor Sentinel has not been held since 2017, meaning its planned return in 2027 would come after a gap of nearly a decade.
The renewed exercises have been viewed by geopolitical observers as a positive signal for broader Cambodia-US military relations after a prolonged period in which the exercises were suspended.
During his meeting with Hun Manet, Colby described Cambodia as an important partner of the United States and reaffirmed Washington’s intention to further strengthen defence cooperation with Phnom Penh.
The planned exercises are expected to provide opportunities for military personnel from both countries to improve operational capabilities, strengthen professional ties and expand defence cooperation.
The development comes as Cambodia seeks to maintain and broaden its international defence relationships while continuing to emphasise sovereignty, mutual respect and national interests.
