Cambodia and the U.S. have mutually appreciated the progress in their military cooperation and vowed to further foster it.
The appreciation was underscored during a meeting here at the Army Command Headquarters on Sept. 18 between H.E. Gen. Mao Sophan, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) and Commander of the Royal Cambodian Army, and Maj. Gen. Timothy J. Donnellan, the Adjutant General, Idaho/Commanding General, Idaho National Guard.
During the meeting, H.E. Gen. Mao Sophan emphasised the strong diplomatic ties and enduring cooperation between Cambodia and the U.S. He highlighted the visit of U.S. Secretary of Defence H.E. Lloyd James Austin to Cambodia in June 2024 as a pivotal moment in fostering trust and confidence between the two nations, particularly in defence and security relations.
Maj. Gen. Donnellan reaffirmed the U.S.’ commitment to its partnership with Cambodia, noting that since 2009, the U.S. has collaborated closely with Cambodia on peacekeeping, humanitari
an assistance, disaster relief, and other key areas. He expressed optimism that the military cooperation between the two countries will continue to grow through the exchange of visits, training programmes, joint exercises, and knowledge sharing, particularly in the areas of demining and disaster relief operations.
Both parties also discussed a range of traditional and non-traditional security challenges, acknowledging the complexities of the current global security environment. They underscored the importance of prioritising defence dialogues to build mutual trust and confidence, further strengthening the partnership between Cambodia and the U.S.
At the conclusion of the meeting, H.E. Gen. Mao Sophan escorted Maj. Gen. Timothy J. Donnellan and his delegation on a visit to the former Detention Centre of the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC). This visit provided an opportunity for the delegation to gain a deeper understanding of Cambodia’s efforts in pursuing justice and accountability f
or past atrocities, reflecting the nation’s commitment to reconciliation and peace.
Source: Agence Kampuchea Presse