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U.S. Affirms Trust in Cambodia’s Sovereignty During Ream Naval Base Visit

Terry Felix​​​​   On January 27, 2026 - 8:05 am​   In Asia Pacific  
U.S. Affirms Trust in Cambodia’s Sovereignty During Ream Naval Base Visit U.S. Affirms Trust in Cambodia’s Sovereignty During Ream Naval Base Visit

SIHANOUKVILLE, Jan 26, 2026 — The United States trusts Cambodia’s sovereignty over Ream Naval Base, and the arrival of a U.S. warship there reflects a partnership built on goodwill, Samuel Paparo, commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, said on Sunday.

Speaking at a press conference at Ream, Paparo said the United States was among the first countries to recognise Cambodia’s sovereignty 76 years ago and that Phnom Penh had assured Washington the base would remain under Cambodian control.

“Our Cambodian friends have assured us that Ream will be a sovereign port,” Paparo said. “That is why the arrival of the USS Cincinnati is a demonstration of our trust in Cambodia’s sovereignty and a reflection of our partnership, based on goodwill, moving forward.”

The comments come amid heightened scrutiny of foreign naval access to Ream, which has been the subject of regional and international attention in recent years.

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