UK-Cambodia Seek Improved Defense Cooperation

PHNOM PENH –The United Kingdom expressed hopes to connect with Cambodia’s defense engagements through increased capacity building while 2023 marks the 70th anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic relations. As part of this enhanced engagement, a Non-Resident Defense Attaché, Jamie Murray, was accredited in 2021. While paying his farewell as the British Liaison Officer to Cambodia on July 27, Murray announced that his duties will be taken over by Colonel Eddie Maskell-Pedersen. Like Murray, Maskell-Pedersen will be based in Singapore, as the head of British Defense Staff for South East Asia. General Vong Pisen, commander-in-chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) said he hopes Murray’s successor will continue to further improve the cooperation between the armies of the two countries. He highlighted that, in addition to nominating a Defense Attaché to Cambodia, Britain also provided scholarships to RCAF at the British Military Academy.
Vong Pisen added the UK shared intelligence with Cambodia on security and transnational crime matters. He also thanked London for providing COVID-19 vaccine assistance to Cambodia, funds to conserve forests and natural resources, and scholarships for humanitarian demining.
British Embassy Spokesperson to Cambodia said the UK maintains long-standing defense relationships with nations around the Indo-Pacific, including Cambodia.
The country has significantly extended its presence and participation in the Indo-Pacific region in recent years, most notably by joining ASEAN as a conversation partner in 2021.
The UK provides scholarships to military officials on leadership and military skills to officers from around the world with the goal of improving the quality of defense structures globally.
The Royal Military Academy has provided a place for one Cambodian officer for the 2022-2023 training cycle.
“We hope to continue engaging with Cambodia on defense relations to increase our mutual understanding and find areas for cooperation,” the spokesperson said.
Colonel Jamie Murray also invited RCAF’s Commander-in-Chief Vong Pisen to visit the UK and attend the graduation ceremony of the RCAF student there in December 2023.
The UK conducted its first ship visit in 65 years in February 2023. Docked at Sihanoukville Autonomous Port on Feb. 13, the HMS Spey spent five days in Cambodia’s waters.
Despite the 65-year gap, the visit offered a new beginning for the nations to strengthen their fleets via training and cordial interaction, said Colonel Jamie Murray at that time. by Thmey Thmey