Hun Manet Boosts Strategic Ties During U.S. Board of Peace Inauguration
Hun Manet Boosts Strategic Ties During U.S. Board of Peace Inauguration
WASHINGTON, Feb 22, 2026 — Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet concluded a series of high-level meetings in Washington this week that strengthened trade, defense and security ties with the United States while positioning Cambodia as a founding member of a new international peace initiative focused on Gaza.
Hun Manet attended the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace, chaired by U.S. President Donald Trump, which formally launched a global mechanism to coordinate peace and reconstruction efforts in Gaza. The United States pledged $10 billion to the initiative, with other member states committing more than $7 billion combined.
Cambodia joined the Board as a founding member, marking an expansion of its diplomatic engagement on global peace efforts.
Beyond the ceremony, Hun Manet held substantive talks with senior U.S. officials that signaled improving bilateral relations.
In meetings with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, the two sides highlighted a 29% increase in bilateral trade in 2025 and growing U.S. investment flows into Cambodia, reflecting strengthening economic ties.
Discussions with Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau focused on combating online scam networks, expanding trade and investment, and enhancing defense and security cooperation. U.S. officials welcomed Cambodia’s participation in international peace efforts.
In talks with Deputy Defense Secretary Elbridge Colby and Deputy National Security Advisor Andrew Collison Baker, both sides noted the positive trajectory of defense relations. Developments cited included the recent visit of Admiral Samuel Paparo, head of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, to Cambodia, the visit of USS Cincinnati to Ream Naval Base, and the lifting of the long-standing U.S. arms embargo.
Officials also explored expanded defense collaboration and the possible resumption of joint military exercises, including the Angkor Sentinel exercise in late 2026 or early 2027.
On the diplomatic front, Hun Manet met Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Vietnamese leader To Lam, and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, reinforcing Cambodia’s broader international partnerships.
During his engagements, Hun Manet briefed counterparts on tensions along the Cambodia–Thailand border, reiterating Cambodia’s commitment to peaceful resolution in accordance with international law.
The Washington visit underscores Phnom Penh’s efforts to diversify strategic partnerships while strengthening ties with the United States across economic, security and diplomatic domains.
