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Hun Manet rejects claims of $1 bln cost to join Board of Peace

Terry Felix​​​​   On January 27, 2026 - 2:41 am​   In Asia Pacific  
Hun Manet rejects claims of $1 bln cost to join Board of Peace Hun Manet rejects claims of $1 bln cost to join Board of Peace

PHNOM PENH, Jan 26, 2026 — Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said on Tuesday that Cambodia’s participation as a founding member of the Board of Peace does not require any financial payment, rejecting public speculation that the country must pay $1 billion to join the body.

In a statement, Hun Manet said Cambodia agreed to become a founding member of the Board of Peace for a three-year term following an invitation from Donald J. Trump on Jan 16, 2026.

“The participation as a founding member of the Board of Peace for a three-year mandate does not require any financial contribution,” Hun Manet said, adding that Cambodia joined to demonstrate its commitment to supporting and contributing to global peace.
He clarified that the reported $1 billion contribution applies only to countries seeking permanent membership, and not to founding or time-limited members such as Cambodia.

Hun Manet said Cambodia has consistently upheld principles of goodwill, peace and international cooperation, noting its long-standing role in contributing troops to United Nations peacekeeping missions in conflict-affected countries.

The prime minister said the clarification was issued after some members of the public expressed confusion over Cambodia’s financial obligations related to the initiative.

Cambodia has positioned its participation in the Board of Peace as part of its broader foreign policy emphasis on peaceful conflict resolution and multilateral engagement.

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