AKP Phnom Penh, January 12, 2026 -- Cambodia and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) have reaffirmed the importance of close cooperation, respect for international humanitarian law, and their shared commitment to addressing humanitarian needs and promoting stability in affected areas.

The commitment was underscored during a working meeting held here on Jan. 12 between H.E. Lt. Gen. Rath Dararoth, Secretary of State at the Ministry of National Defence, and an ICRC delegation led by Mr. Stéphane Bonamy, Head of Mission of the ICRC in Phnom Penh.

According to the Ministry of National Defence, the meeting provided an opportunity for both sides to exchange views on issues of mutual interest related to the current situation between the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Kingdom of Thailand. Particular attention was given to the ICRC’s continued follow-up on the repatriation of the 18 Cambodian military personnel, as well as discussions on the preparation and implementation of upcoming ICRC humanitarian missions in provinces affected by the recent hostilities.

On the occasion, H.E. Lt. Gen. Rath Dararoth expressed deep gratitude to the ICRC for its important role in visiting and closely monitoring the condition of the 18 Cambodian soldiers during their 155-day detention in Thailand, until their safe repatriation to Cambodia.

He underlined that the ICRC’s involvement played a key role in ensuring respect for international humanitarian law and in protecting the rights, dignity, and well-being of the detained personnel.

By C. Nika