U.S. and Cambodia Strengthen Defense Ties during DASD Laura Updegrove's Visit

Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (DASD) for South and Southeast Asia Laura Updegrove | Photo: U.S. Department of Defense website.

Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (DASD) for South and Southeast Asia, Laura Updegrove, wrapped up her visit to Cambodia on October 15, marking the first U.S.-Cambodia Defense Policy Dialogue since 2019. Her trip follows Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin's visit to the country on June 4, 2024.

During the dialogue, co-chaired by DASD Updegrove, the two nations explored ways to enhance their bilateral defense relationship. This included plans to resume military training exchanges focused on disaster assistance, United Nations peacekeeping, and the clearance of unexploded ordnance. They also discussed Cambodia's involvement in U.S. professional military education. The discussions further covered regional security issues, emphasizing the importance of ongoing dialogue between the two countries.

In addition to the formal meetings, Updegrove engaged with Minister of National Defence Tea Seiha and Foreign Policy Advisor Eat Sophea to further bilateral defense cooperation aimed at promoting regional stability. She also took the opportunity to meet with Cambodian graduates of U.S. military education programs, underscoring the long-standing defense training partnership between the two nations.

tags: Asia Pacific, Indo Pacific, Pacific region, FOIP, Free and Open Indo Pacific, Cambodia,