Malaysia, Cambodia pledge deeper defence ties

Malaysia has pledged to further deepen and expand defence cooperation with Cambodia, including in peacekeeping operations, maritime security, non-traditional security and artificial intelligence, following talks between the two countries’ leaders in Phnom Penh.

Malaysian Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin made the commitment during a meeting with Prime Minister Hun Manet at the Peace Palace on Friday, according to a statement from the Cambodian government.

Khaled praised the strong relations and cooperation between the two countries, describing Cambodia as a close and trusted friend.

He said his visit would contribute to strengthening bilateral ties and translating existing commitments into concrete action, particularly in the defence sector.

Khaled briefed Mr Hun Manet on the outcomes of a bilateral meeting between the two countries’ defence ministers and reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to continuing to provide training programmes for Cambodian personnel.

The two sides will also explore further cooperation in peacekeeping operations, responses to non-traditional security challenges, maritime security and the development of artificial intelligence capabilities for defence, according to the statement.

In response, Mr Hun Manet welcomed the progress in Cambodia–Malaysia relations and the achievements in bilateral cooperation, particularly in defence.

The prime minister said the Cambodian government would continue supporting efforts to strengthen and expand cooperation between the defence ministries of the two countries.

Mr Hun Manet also thanked Malaysia for its role in facilitating a ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand, as well as for leading and continuing to play a role in the ASEAN Observer Team mechanism in Cambodia.

He encouraged the defence ministries of both countries to further strengthen and deepen their cooperation.

The Cambodian and Malaysian officials also exchanged views on regional and international issues during the meeting.

Mr Hun Manet briefed Khaled on developments along the Cambodia–Thailand border.

He reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to resolving border issues through peaceful mechanisms based on international law and in accordance with existing conventions, treaties and agreements between the two countries.

On the same day, the Malaysian Defence Minister also held a meeting and discussion with his Cambodian counterpart General Tea Seiha.

Gen Seiha noted this marked the first time they met in Cambodia, despite having had numerous discussions at various international forums.

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation for the efforts of the Malaysian leadership in facilitating the search for a peaceful solution, based on international law, to the Cambodia–Thailand border issue, as well as for leading the ASEAN Observer Team in contributing to the mission of seeking peace for the people of Cambodia,” Gen Seiha said in a statement.

“This is not only an effort to seek peace for Cambodia but also a contribution to strengthening ASEAN solidarity and centrality in the pursuit of peace for the region and the world.”

Kin Phea, director-general of the International Relations Institute of Cambodia, said Khaled’s visit came as Malaysia continues to play a role in regional efforts to support stability between Cambodia and Thailand, while Phnom Penh seeks to strengthen defence partnerships with ASEAN members across areas ranging from peacekeeping and maritime security to emerging defence technologies.

“Every effort to boost defence is a positive for Cambodia, as past experience has shown that the country must strengthen both its defence and economy to best protect its interests in the contemporary globe,” he added.