 for South and Southeast Asia, Laura Updegrove, concluded an important visit to Cambodia today.){kind=link}
Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (DASD) for South and Southeast Asia, Laura Updegrove, concluded an important visit to Cambodia today. This trip marked the first U.S.-Cambodia Defense Policy Dialogue since 2019. The talks, held in Phnom Penh, aimed to rebuild and strengthen the defense relationship between the two nations. DASD Updegrove’s visit follows Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin’s trip to Cambodia in June 2024, signaling renewed efforts to enhance cooperation.
The Defense Policy Dialogue, now in its third round since it started in 2011, provides a crucial platform for both countries to discuss defense strategies and security matters. This dialogue allows both nations to explore new opportunities to work together on military training, regional security, and peacekeeping efforts.
Strengthening Bilateral Defense Relations
During the Defense Policy Dialogue, DASD Updegrove co-chaired discussions with senior Cambodian defense officials. The talks focused on several key areas for collaboration. Both sides expressed interest in resuming military training exchanges, especially in the fields of disaster assistance, United Nations peacekeeping, and de-mining operations.
Cambodia is known for its contributions to peacekeeping missions around the world. The United States has long supported Cambodia’s efforts by offering training and expertise. Both nations see these exchanges as valuable tools for improving their defense capabilities and contributing to regional peace and security.
The two parties also talked about the potential for Cambodia to continue taking part in professional military education (PME) in the United States. Over the years, many Cambodian military personnel have benefited from the training and education provided by U.S. military schools. These programs help strengthen the Cambodian military’s professional skills and leadership qualities.
Regional Security Concerns
The U.S. and Cambodia also discussed the broader security situation in Southeast Asia. Both sides exchanged views on the regional security environment, with particular attention given to issues like territorial disputes, rising tensions in the South China Sea, and the need for a stable and peaceful region.
In terms of international trade and economic stability, Southeast Asia is essential. As tensions rise in the region, particularly with ongoing maritime disputes, both nations agreed on the importance of continued dialogue and cooperation to maintain peace and security.
DASD Updegrove reaffirmed the U.S.’s commitment to working with Cambodia to promote regional stability. The talks were seen as an important step in renewing defense cooperation and addressing security challenges that could affect not only Southeast Asia but also the wider Indo-Pacific region.
Meetings with Top Officials of Cambodia
In addition to the Defense Policy Dialogue, DASD Updegrove held important meetings with Cambodian defense and foreign policy leaders. She met with Cambodia’s Minister of National Defence, Tea Seiha, to discuss advancing bilateral defense ties. The two officials focused on ways to improve cooperation in areas such as military training, peacekeeping, and disaster relief.
DASD Updegrove also met with Eat Sophea, the Foreign Policy Advisor to Prime Minister Hun Manet. Their discussions covered broader foreign policy issues, particularly the importance of Cambodia’s role in maintaining regional peace and security. Both sides stressed the need for strong defense cooperation to respond to evolving threats in the region.
Highlighting Longstanding Defense Ties
During her visit, DASD Updegrove had the opportunity to meet with Cambodian graduates of U.S. professional military education (PME) programs. These programs, which have been in place for many years, offer Cambodian military officers valuable training in leadership, strategy, and operations. U.S. PME schools have produced many skilled Cambodian military leaders who play a crucial role in the country’s defense.
During the meeting, Updegrove emphasised the value of these learning opportunities. She emphasised that the defense training ties between the U.S. and Cambodia help build a strong foundation for future cooperation. These training programs not only benefit Cambodian officers but also contribute to stronger ties between the two nations.
The graduates, many of whom now hold leadership positions in the Cambodian military, expressed their gratitude for the education they received from U.S. institutions. They also reaffirmed their commitment to using their skills and knowledge to contribute to regional peace and security.
Reaffirming Commitment to Dialogue
Both the U.S. and Cambodia reaffirmed their commitment to continuing these defense dialogues in the future. The talks between DASD Updegrove and Cambodian officials reflect a shared desire to improve their bilateral relationship, especially in the defense and security sectors. Both sides agreed that continued discussions will be essential for addressing the security challenges facing the region.
DASD Updegrove emphasized that the U.S. is committed to deepening defense cooperation with Cambodia. She said that these talks are a sign of the strong ties between the two nations and that the U.S. will continue to support Cambodia’s efforts in peacekeeping and regional security.
Cambodian officials echoed this sentiment, expressing their gratitude for the U.S.’s continued support and involvement in Cambodia’s defense sector. They acknowledged the importance of a strong defense partnership, particularly as the region faces new and emerging security threats.
Looking Ahead: Cambodia- U.S relations
The successful conclusion of this round of the U.S.-Cambodia Defense Policy Dialogue has set the stage for even deeper defense cooperation in the future. Both nations have agreed to explore new opportunities for collaboration, especially in areas like military training, peacekeeping, and disaster response.
With the resumption of military exchanges and ongoing discussions about regional security, the U.S. and Cambodia are poised to strengthen their defense partnership. Both sides remain committed to working together to promote peace, security, and stability in Southeast Asia and beyond.
As these defense ties continue to grow, the U.S.-Cambodia relationship serves as an example of how nations can come together to face common security challenges. By maintaining open lines of communication and engaging in meaningful dialogue, the two countries will continue to build a strong and lasting defense partnership.
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