The Khmer Times reported that on October 27, the US announced the lifting of the arms embargo on Cambodia and announced the resumption of the long-standing suspended joint military exercise "Angkor sentinel". This decision was made after a landmark meeting between US President Donald Trump and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The White House confirmed the decision to lift the arms embargo on Cambodia (this ban has been imposed since December 2021). The reason given by the US side is to recognize Cambodia's efforts for peace and security.
The Angkor sentinel bilateral defense drill, last held in 2017, will be revived as part of efforts to deepen strategic relations. The US is also committed to expanding training opportunities for Cambodian officers at prestigious academies, including West Point Military Academy and the US Air Force Academy. The defense relationship between the two countries has cooled in recent years, and the resumption of the exercise is seen as a clear signal of improvement.
The meeting between the two leaders also reached additional agreements to combat transnational crimes. Both countries have pledged to target organized crime networks, especially drug dealers and online fraud - a burning issue in the region. The White House said the scams cost Americans more than $110 billion a year.
The partnership comes just days after hundreds fled a notorious Myanmar scam hub to Thailand, and Cambodia is also stepping up suppression of similar activities.
