AKP Phnom Penh, July 02, 2026 --

Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet's diplomatic engagements and foreign affairs activities over the past six months have been driven by a singular objective: serving the supreme national interest while rigorously defending the nation's sovereignty and territorial integrity, a senior government official said.

Speaking at the 8th press forum hosted by the Royal Government Spokesperson Unit at the Office of the Council of Ministers on Wednesday afternoon, H.E. Jean-François Tain, Minister Attached to the Prime Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, emphasised Cambodia's strategic posture amid a complex global and regional landscape.

He stated that the Royal Government, under Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet’s leadership, recognises the necessity of maintaining an independent, sovereign, balanced, and open foreign policy, firmly anchored in preserving peace and ensuring continuous national development.

"Cambodia must continue to strengthen long-standing friendships, forge new alliances, and expand cooperation – particularly in the economic sector – with friendly nations and global partners," H.E. Tain said, adding that Cambodia remains steadfast in prioritising dialogue, international law, and peaceful resolutions over confrontation and the use of armed force, which he warned brings "nothing but disaster."

During his overseas state visits, Prime Minister Hun Manet’s bilateral discussions with foreign heads of state, government leaders, and senior dignitaries have strictly targeted three major priorities: Safeguarding Cambodia's territorial integrity and supreme national interests; Strengthening and diversifying strategic alliances with various countries and international organisations; Leveraging diplomatic channels to advance socio-economic development, attract foreign investment, create local jobs, and enhance the overall well-being of the Cambodian people.

Elaborating on the defence of territorial sovereignty, H.E. Tain revealed that Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet consistently raises the ongoing Cambodia-Thailand border dispute during high-level international dialogues, routinely highlighting the realities on the ground.

According to H.E. Tain, Thai military forces have encroached deep into lawful Cambodian territory and are illegally occupying areas in violation of international law. He stated that these incursions have resulted in the destruction of Cambodian homes, prevented tens of thousands of citizens from returning to their properties, and involved the unauthorised construction of roads and infrastructure by Thai forces.

The clear message delivered by the Cambodian Premier to global leaders is that Cambodia will "absolutely not accept" any border alterations that contravene international law. Despite these grievances, H.E. Tain reiterated that Cambodia remains fully committed to resolving the border dispute with Thailand peacefully, relying on international law, existing treaties, and previously signed bilateral agreements.

Addressing maritime border issues, H.E. Tain noted that Cambodia has opted to invoke the compulsory conciliation mechanism under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). He explained that Prime Minister Hun Manet routinely clarifies this decision to foreign leaders, citing Thailand’s unilateral withdrawal from the 2001 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on overlapping maritime claims as the primary reason for the action.

By K. Rithy Reak