Cambodia, UK forge deeper defence ties

Cambodia, UK forge deeper defence ties. AKP

General Vong Pisen, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF), held a courtesy call and bilateral discussion with Colonel Julian A.L. Smith, the newly appointed United Kingdom Defence Attaché to Cambodia, on Nov. 18.

The meeting took place at the RCAF’s High Command Headquarters, with Colonel Smith operating from his base in Hanoi.

General Vong Pisen warmly congratulated Colonel Smith on his appointment and expressed confidence that his diplomatic tenure would deepen defence relations and cooperation between the two nations’ armed forces.

Recalling the longstanding diplomatic ties between Cambodia and the United Kingdom since 1953, he noted the steady growth in bilateral trade and defence cooperation. He specifically highlighted the UK’s sustained provision of scholarships for Cambodian military officers to study at the prestigious Royal College of Defence Studies.

The RCAF Commander-in-Chief described this as an essential new chapter in Cambodia-UK defence cooperation, citing the guidance received during Prime Minister Hun Manet’s tenure as Royal Cambodian Army Commander.

General Vong Pisen expressed optimism for expanded military collaboration, focusing on: Human resource development; High-level and working-level exchanges; Information-sharing on counterterrorism and combating transnational crime; Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR); Inter-service cooperation, joint exercises, and ship visits.

He also briefed the British Defence Attaché on the recent situation along the Cambodia–Thailand border, reaffirming Cambodia’s commitment to resolving all outstanding issues peacefully, in accordance with previously agreed principles and mechanisms. This is aimed at ensuring long-term peace between the two neighbouring nations.

In response, Colonel Smith welcomed the ongoing opportunity for Cambodian officers to train in the United Kingdom and announced additional scholarships for Cambodian naval personnel to undergo further professional training in the UK. He also thanked the Royal Government of Cambodia for its support of UK maritime ship visits, noting that another Royal Navy vessel is scheduled to call at a Cambodian port in 2026.

Regarding the border situation, Colonel Smith underlined the UK’s strong support for diplomatic efforts, peaceful dialogue, calm, and constructive relations. He stated that the international community is closely monitoring developments and expressed support for Cambodia’s position, noting its patience and adherence to international law.

The British Defence Attaché also expressed condolences over the loss of Cambodian civilian lives. It urged Thailand to release the 18 detained Cambodian soldiers to safely reunite with their families, in accordance with international humanitarian law.

Colonel Smith further stated his intention to visit displaced civilians in Banteay Meanchey province through the Military Attaché Corps to the Kingdom of Cambodia (MACPP). AKP