Historic Ream Port Call Signals Renewed Cambodia US Defence Partnership

A historic US Navy port call has marked a turning point in Cambodia-United States relations.

For the first time, a US warship has docked at Ream Naval Base.

The visit signals renewed defence cooperation between Phnom Penh and Washington.

USS Cincinnati Makes Historic Visit to Ream Naval Base

The USS Cincinnati arrived at Ream Naval Base this week.

It will remain at the base for five days, until January 28.

The ship carries around 100 naval personnel.

It is an Independence-variant littoral combat ship.

Cmdr Andrew Recame commands the vessel.

Notably, this is the first US warship allowed to dock at Cambodia’s highest-security naval base in Preah Sihanouk province.

US Expresses Confidence in Cambodia’s Sovereignty

US Indo-Pacific Command Chief Admiral Samuel Paparo spoke at a press briefing at the base.

He said the visit reflects Washington’s confidence in Cambodia’s sovereignty.

“Our Cambodian friends assured us that Ream would remain a sovereign port,” Paparo said.

“As a result, this visit reflects our confidence and good faith partnership,” he added.

According to Paparo, US-Cambodia relations now span 76 years.

He described the partnership as being on a strong upward trajectory.

Cambodia US Defence Partnership Deepens

Paparo said the two countries have overcome challenges from the Covid-19 period.

Now, he said, the partnership is entering a new phase.

“There are many maritime and joint opportunities ahead,” he said.

In addition, he linked defence cooperation to broader regional stability.

Both countries, he said, share a commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Angkor Sentinel Exercise Set to Resume

During the briefing, Paparo confirmed the return of joint military drills.

The annual “Angkor Sentinel” exercise will resume after an eight-year pause.

Planning will begin in late February or early March.

The exercise is expected to take place in late 2026 or early 2027.

Since 2006, the US Navy has conducted 37 port visits to Cambodia.

Angkor Sentinel began in 2010.

It aimed to improve military cooperation and disaster response.

The drills were suspended in 2017 amid strained bilateral ties.

Efforts to Rebuild Trust After Years of Strain

Relations cooled as Cambodia expanded defence cooperation with China.

However, talks to revive Angkor Sentinel began last year.

These discussions followed Paparo’s visit to Cambodia in December 2024.

US Navy representatives also visited Sihanoukville Autonomous Port.

Since then, both sides have worked to rebuild trust.

Hun Manet Meets Admiral Paparo

Yesterday morning, Prime Minister Hun Manet met Admiral Paparo in Phnom Penh.

They discussed defence cooperation and regional security.

According to the Cabinet Office, both sides expressed satisfaction with improving ties.

Paparo thanked Cambodia for allowing the Ream port call.

Hun Manet welcomed the visit as a concrete sign of progress.

US Support for Border Peace Efforts

The meeting also covered the Cambodia-Thailand border situation.

Hun Manet thanked US President Donald Trump for supporting a ceasefire last year.

That ceasefire was followed by the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration in October.

Hun Manet reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to peaceful dispute resolution.

He said Cambodia continues to rely on international law and existing agreements.

In response, Paparo said Trump continues to closely monitor the situation.

He also confirmed continued US support for the ASEAN Observer Team.

Support for the Joint Boundary Commission was also reaffirmed.

US Embassy Welcomes Defence Cooperation

In a separate statement, the US Embassy in Phnom Penh welcomed the visit.

It said the two sides discussed ways to strengthen defence ties.

“The United States and Cambodia will work together to support regional stability,” the statement said.

It also reaffirmed commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Ceremony and Joint Activities at Ream

As part of the visit, Paparo toured Ream Naval Base.

National Defence Minister General Tea Seiha welcomed him officially.

The US and Cambodian flags were raised at the base.

Naval officers from both countries held joint activities.

These included sports and community programmes.

Later, senior Cambodian officials boarded the USS Cincinnati.

Mixed Views on Regional Impact

Some observers welcomed the visit.

Youk Chhang, Director of the Documentation Centre of Cambodia, called it positive.

However, he downplayed its impact on the Cambodia-Thailand border dispute.

He said the conflict is driven mainly by Thai domestic politics.

According to him, warming US-Cambodia ties may also affect Thailand-US relations.

Symbolic but Significant Step Forward

Despite differing views, the port call remains highly symbolic.

It marks the first US naval presence at Ream Naval Base.

It also signals renewed trust between Cambodia and the United States.

For now, officials on both sides say cooperation will continue to grow.