Phnom Penh: Andrew Byers, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence for South and Southeast Asia, wrapped up a two-day visit to Cambodia, where he participated in high-level discussions with senior Cambodian military and government officials. The visit, which took place from June 24 to 25, was aimed at enhancing bilateral defence cooperation between the two countries.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, Byers engaged with several key figures, including H.E. Admiral Tea Sokha, Commander of the Royal Cambodian Navy; H.E. General Rath Dararoth, Secretary of State at the Ministry of National Defence; H.E. General Suon Samnang, Head of the Military Cooperation Coordination Committee; and H.E. General Phat Vibol Sopheak, Director General of the Department of International Relations at the Ministry of National Defence.

Furthermore, Byers met with H.E. Ms. Eat Sophea, Permanent Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Discussions during these meetings focused on advancing bilateral military cooperation, building on engagements between defence officials at the recent Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. Future plans were also discussed, including a potential visit by the U.S. Secretary of Defence to Cambodia.

This prospective visit might coincide with the first port call by a U.S. Navy vessel at the recently re-opened Ream Naval Base later this year, marking a significant step in strengthening defence ties between the two nations. During his visit, Byers also met with alumni of U.S. military exchange programmes and toured key facilities at the Ream Naval Base, located on Cambodia’s southern coast.

The visit highlights ongoing efforts to re-engage and fortify U.S.-Cambodia defence relations through open dialogue, transparency, and collaboration.