AKP Phnom Penh, August 21, 2026 —

Cambodia's foreign policy has successfully navigated unprecedented global instability, rising geopolitical tensions, and regional challenges over the past three years, a senior Royal Government official said on Friday.

H.E. Jean-François Tain, Delegate Minister attached to the Prime Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, made the remarks during a press forum marking the third anniversary of the Seventh-Mandate Royal Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet.

H.E. Tain noted that over the past three years, the Kingdom’s foreign policy framework has faced numerous tests, including the ongoing Ukraine conflict, escalations in the Middle East, intensifying major-power competition, and an increasingly fragmented global order.

Additionally, recent border tensions with Thailand—marked by two armed clashes—have put the government’s military and diplomatic capabilities to a rigorous test.

Amid these international and regional disruptions, H.E. Tain emphasised that Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet has steadfastly maintained Cambodia’s long-standing foreign policy direction.

Since assuming office on Aug. 22, 2023, the Prime Minister has adhered strictly to the core principle of "strengthening old friendships and expanding new ones."

This doctrine, originally established by the late King-Father Norodom Sihanouk and further developed by former Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, remains a cornerstone of the ruling Cambodian People’s Party policy. H.E. Tain stressed that this continuity ensures sustainability and consistency in Cambodia's international relations.

"The ultimate objective of Cambodia's foreign policy is to reinforce its independence and strategic balance, expand its strategic footprint, and elevate its global standing," H.E.  Tain said, adding that maintaining this balance is crucial given the current climate of global uncertainty, regional fragility, and strained bilateral relations with Thailand.

Parallel to political diplomacy, the Royal Government has heavily prioritised economic diplomacy over the past three years to drive robust and sustainable economic growth.

According to H.E. Tain, Cambodia’s economic diplomacy focuses on three core pillars: boosting international trade, attracting foreign direct investment, and promoting tourism.

He reiterated that Cambodia remains open to investors and businesses from all nations without discrimination, emphasising that national interest and sustainable development remain the Kingdom's top priorities in international affairs.

By K. Rithy Reak