AKP Phnom Penh, December 18, 2025 --

Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation H.E. Prak Sokhonn has received a courtesy call from Mr. Jürg Montani and accepted letter of credence appointing him as Head of the Regional Delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

During the meeting at the Ministry on Dec. 17, H.E. Deputy Prime Minister Prak Sokhonn congratulated Mr. Montani on his appointment as Head of the ICRC Regional Delegation for seven countries, including Cambodia. He expressed high regard for Mr. Montani's extensive experience in humanitarian work and the ICRC humanitarian activities in Cambodia for more than 50 years.

Regarding current cooperation between Cambodia and the ICRC, H.E. Prak Sokhonn thanked the ICRC for supporting (1) the improvement of the well-being of detainees, (2) rehabilitation of persons with disabilities, (3) cooperation with the Cambodian Red Cross, and (4) promotion of international humanitarian law (IHL). He informed Mr. Montani that the Royal Government of Cambodia is joining the "Global Initiative to Galvanise Political Commitment to IHL" and will participate in the ICRC's Work Streams.

H.E. Deputy Prime Minister apprised Mr. Montani on the latest developments of the Cambodia-Thailand armed conflicts. He said Thai armed forces offensive against Cambodia since Dec. 7, 2025 has been intensified on land, air and sea with deployment of heavy weapons including F-16 fighter jets, and toxic chemical agents. This resulted in many casualties on innocent civilians, destruction of civilian infrastructure, temples and national heritage monuments of Cambodia.

Mr. Montani informed H.E. Prak Sokhonn on his fourth visit to the 18 Cambodian soldiers currently in Thai custody. He confirmed that the soldiers are safe and healthy. He added that the ICRC has facilitated communication between the 18 soldiers and their families through the coordination of the Cambodian Red Cross. H.E. Prak Sokhonn expressed gratitude to the ICRC for continuing to monitor the well-being, safety, and living conditions of the 18 Cambodian soldiers.

H.E. Deputy Prime Minister reaffirmed that Cambodia seeks an end to the fighting, to allow the displaced people to return to their homes, and the return to full respect for and implementation in good faith of the ceasefire and spirit of the Joint Declaration on peace signed in Kuala Lumpur.

AKP-MFAIC