Listen to the audio version of this article (generated by AI).
The United States said its relationship with Cambodia is “stronger than ever” during an Independence Day celebration in Phnom Penh on Wednesday, highlighting a series of new agreements after years of strained ties.
The event underscored cooperation in defense, trade, aviation and health following years of friction driven by Washington’s concerns over Cambodia’s democratic backsliding and close ties with China.
U.S. Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Aleksandra Zittle, speaking during celebrations marking the upcoming 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, highlighted the Trump administration’s role in brokering the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords, which secured a ceasefire after deadly border clashes between Cambodia and Thailand in July last year. Fighting resumed in December before the two countries reached another ceasefire.
“While we celebrate this achievement, we also remember the victims of the conflict and the heavy toll it has taken on communities along the border,” Zittle said, adding that the U.S. would continue supporting both countries as they work to uphold the ceasefire and implement its terms.
Zittle noted that the United States and Cambodia marked 75 years of diplomatic relations last year and said bilateral ties are now “stronger than ever.”
The celebration followed a year of mixed signals in the relationship. Washington sharply reduced foreign aid to Cambodia, imposed higher tariffs and increased scrutiny of the country’s online scam industry, while also lifting a long-standing arms embargo and resuming joint military exercises.
Zittle also highlighted the USS Cincinnati’s visit earlier this year to Ream Naval Base in Sihanoukville province, the first by a U.S. naval vessel since the base was renovated and reopened. The facility has drawn scrutiny from Washington over concerns about China’s role in its expansion and potential military access.
She said the visit underscored the two countries’ shared commitment to “upholding a free and open Indo-Pacific.”
Earlier Wednesday, the two countries signed an Open Skies agreement, building on recent cooperation that included a $100 million U.S. commitment to support operations at Cambodia’s new Techo International Airport and Air Cambodia’s order for more than $3 billion worth of Boeing aircraft.
Deputy Prime Minister Vongsey Vissoth attended the event as the Cambodian government’s guest of honor.
He said bilateral ties had entered a more positive phase and thanked Washington for its constructive engagement and peace-building efforts during the border conflict with Thailand.
Vissoth said the recent port call by the USS Cincinnati, the resumption of the annual Angkor Sentinel joint military exercise and strengthened law enforcement cooperation, particularly in combating online scams, “stand as a tangible foundation of renewed trust and confidence in our growing bilateral relations.”
