Phnom penh: Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation H.E. Prak Sokhonn has received a courtesy call from Mr. Jrg Montani and accepted a letter of credence appointing him as Head of the Regional Delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, during the meeting at the Ministry on Dec. 17, H.E. Deputy Prime Minister Prak Sokhonn congratulated Mr. Montani on his appointment as Head of the ICRC Regional Delegation for seven countries, including Cambodia. He expressed regard for Mr. Montani's experience in humanitarian work and the ICRC's activities in Cambodia for over 50 years.
Regarding current cooperation between Cambodia and the ICRC, H.E. Prak Sokhonn thanked the ICRC for supporting the improvement of detainees' well-being, rehabilitation of persons with disabilities, cooperation with the Cambodian Red Cross, and the promotion of international humanitarian law (IHL). He informed Mr. Montani that the Royal Government of Cambodia is joining the "Global Initiative to Galvanise Political Commitment to IHL" and will participate in the ICRC's Work Streams.
H.E. Deputy Prime Minister apprised Mr. Montani on the latest developments of the Cambodia-Thailand armed conflicts. He stated that Thai armed forces have intensified their offensive against Cambodia since Dec. 7, 2025, on land, air, and sea with the deployment of heavy weapons, including F-16 fighter jets and toxic chemical agents. This has resulted in casualties among civilians and the destruction of civilian infrastructure, temples, and national heritage monuments of Cambodia.
Mr. Montani informed H.E. Prak Sokhonn about his fourth visit to the 18 Cambodian soldiers currently in Thai custody. He confirmed that the soldiers are safe and healthy. He added that the ICRC has facilitated communication between the soldiers and their families through coordination with the Cambodian Red Cross. H.E. Prak Sokhonn expressed gratitude to the ICRC for continuing to monitor the well-being, safety, and living conditions of the 18 Cambodian soldiers.
H.E. Deputy Prime Minister reaffirmed that Cambodia seeks an end to the fighting to allow displaced people to return to their homes and to restore full respect for and implementation of the ceasefire and the spirit of the Joint Declaration on peace signed in Kuala Lumpur.