The United States-Cambodia Relationship

President Biden’s participation in the annual U.S.-ASEAN Summit and East Asia Summit (EAS) takes place November 12-13 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, the 2022 ASEAN Chair. In 1950, the United States was among the first nations to recognize Cambodia, and our two peoples share an enduring friendship.

The United States values cooperation with Cambodia on a range of issues, including condemnation of Russia’s war against Ukraine, implementation of UN Security Council sanctions, including sanctions on the DPRK, law enforcement cooperation to combat transnational crime, and Cambodia’s support for elevating the U.S.-ASEAN relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

We continue to underscore to Cambodia that strengthening our bilateral relationship will depend upon Phnom Penh taking concrete steps to improve respect for human rights and democratic processes and address widespread concerns about the PRC’s military presence at Ream Naval Base.

U.S.-Cambodia relations are based on strong historical and cultural linkages. Cooperation on UN matters and assistance programs helped Cambodia realize the stability and prosperity envisioned in the 1992 Paris Peace Agreements ending civil war and continue to facilitate collaboration on bilateral, regional, and global issues.

The United States supports Cambodia’s role as ASEAN 2022 Chair and lauds its stance in upholding the UN Charter, defending territorial integrity, and co-sponsoring UN resolutions condemning Russia’s February full-scale invasion of Ukraine and attempt to annex Ukrainian territory.

The United States urges Cambodia to uphold its constitution and prohibit exclusive control of its territory by any foreign country, including at Ream Naval Base.

Agencies