US, Cambodia Reach Open Skies Agreement After 12 Years of Negotiations
US, Cambodia Reach Open Skies Agreement After 12 Years of Negotiations
PHNOM PENH, June 5, 2026 — Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Hunt VanderToll has concluded a visit to Cambodia, holding high-level discussions with senior Cambodian leaders aimed at strengthening bilateral relations, promoting regional security, and expanding economic cooperation.
During the visit, VanderToll met with Deputy Prime Ministers Prak Sokhonn, Tea Seiha, and Sun Chanthol, as well as Mao Havannall, Minister in Charge of the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation.
A key outcome of the discussions was the successful conclusion of negotiations on a U.S.-Cambodia Open Skies Agreement, ending more than 12 years of talks between the two countries. The agreement is expected to facilitate greater commercial aviation connectivity, boost tourism flows, and enhance trade and investment opportunities between Cambodia and the United States.
The two sides also discussed regional peace and security issues, with the United States reaffirming its support for the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords and emphasizing the importance of fully implementing the ceasefire agreement reached on December 27. Washington reiterated its commitment to supporting peaceful dialogue and stability in the region.
Economic cooperation featured prominently in the discussions, including plans by the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to invest in Phnom Penh International Airport. The proposed investment is expected to strengthen regional connectivity and support Cambodia’s long-term infrastructure development goals.
According to the U.S. Embassy, the visit reflects the growing partnership between Cambodia and the United States across a range of sectors, including transportation, economic development, and regional security.
The embassy stated that it remains committed to working closely with the Cambodian government to fully implement the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords while promoting shared economic prosperity and deeper people-to-people ties between the two countries.
