US commander visits Cambodia to boost army ties
US commander visits Cambodia to boost army ties
General Ronald Clark, Commander of the United States Army Pacific (USARPAC), will pay an official visit to Cambodia today and tomorrow to boost military ties.
In a statement released by the Ministry of Defence, during his visit, General Clark will meet with Prime Minister Hun Manet, General Tea Seiha, Minister of National Defence, and General Vong Pisen, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces.
Gen Clark is also scheduled to have a bilateral meeting with General Mao Sophan, Commander of the Royal Cambodian Army. The two commanders will engage in detailed discussions aimed at strengthening and expanding military cooperation, as well as building mutual trust and confidence in the defence sector between the two countries, according to the statement.
This visit coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Cambodia and the US. It also marks the second visit to Cambodia by a commander of the United States Pacific Army, the first being General Vincent Brooks in August, 2014.
The United States and Cambodia in December last year explored the possibility of resuming the “Angkor Sentinel” joint military exercise after nearly a decade-long suspension.
Mr Hun Manet at that time met with Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command, stating that the delegation’s visit and the docking of the USS Savannah last December at Sihanoukville Autonomous Port would further foster relations and cooperation between the two countries in the defence sector.
Adm Paparo said that his visit represented a continuation of efforts to enhance Cambodian-US relations, particularly in national defence, following the visit of Lloyd James Austin III, the then US Secretary of Defence, to Cambodia in June last year.
The US and Cambodia also celebrated the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations last month, marking a significant milestone in their enduring partnership.
