AKP Phnom Penh, August 7, 2026 -- The commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet underscored plans Friday to bolster bilateral military cooperation with the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF), including the resumption of the joint "CARAT" military exercise in 2027.

Adm. Stephen T. Koehler made the remarks during a courtesy call and bilateral meeting with H.E. Gen. Vong Pisen, Commander-in-Chief of the RCAF, at the RCAF Headquarters in Phnom Penh.

During the meeting, Adm. Koehler highlighted key areas for deeper defence engagement, including humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and Cambodia's participation in the Southeast Asia Cooperation and Training (SEACAT) exercise to support regional peace and stability.

Both sides spoke highly of the growing military cooperation between Cambodia and the United States—particularly between their respective navies—citing frequent exchange visits, human resource training, naval ship port calls, and preparations for the joint exercise slated for 2027.

H.E. Gen. Vong Pisen expressed gratitude to the U.S. for its historical contribution to peace and development in Cambodia. He welcomed continued defence collaboration in counterterrorism, combating transnational crime, the recovery of remains of missing U.S. service members (POW/MIA), and military capacity building.

The Cambodian general reaffirmed Phnom Penh's firm stance on resolving border disputes peacefully in accordance with international law, reiterating that Cambodia does not recognise any alteration of borderlines through military force.

In response, Adm. Koehler commended Cambodia's commitment to resolving its border issues with Thailand through peaceful means.

By K. Rithy Reak