Phnom penh: H.E. General Vong Pisen, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF), engaged in a bilateral discussion with Colonel Julian A.L. Smith, the newly appointed United Kingdom Defence Attach© to Cambodia. The meeting, which took place at the RCAF's High Command Headquarters, focused on enhancing defence relations and cooperation between the two nations' armed forces.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, General Vong Pisen congratulated Colonel Smith on his new role and expressed optimism that his tenure would contribute to the deepening of defence ties. He emphasized the historical diplomatic relations between Cambodia and the United Kingdom, which have grown since 1953, and acknowledged the UK's ongoing support, including scholarships for Cambodian military officers at the Royal College of Defence Studies.
General Vong Pisen highlighted the potential for expanded military collaboration in areas such as human resource development, high-level exchanges, counterterrorism efforts, and humanitarian assistance. He also discussed recent developments along the Cambodia-Thailand border, reiterating Cambodia's commitment to peaceful resolution in line with agreed principles.
Colonel Smith, operating from his base in Hanoi, expressed gratitude for Cambodia's support of UK naval visits and announced additional training opportunities for Cambodian naval personnel. He affirmed the UK's support for Cambodia's diplomatic efforts regarding the border situation and expressed condolences over the loss of civilian lives, urging for the release of detained Cambodian soldiers by Thailand.
Colonel Smith also shared his plans to visit displaced civilians in Banteay Meanchey province through the Military Attach© Corps to the Kingdom of Cambodia, underscoring the UK's commitment to supporting Cambodia in maintaining regional peace and stability.