A senior US official paid a visit to Cambodia this week to discuss nuclear security partnerships with relevant authorities in Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville.

Frank Rose, principal deputy administrator of the US National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), met with Ung Eang – secretary of state for the Ministry of Mines and Energy and vice-president of the Secretariat of the National Counter-Terrorism Committee – and Ly Vanna, another secretary of state for the energy ministry, on February 21 to discuss enhancing nuclear safeguards and radiological emergency preparedness.

Rose also met separately with officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to address cooperation on nuclear security and non-proliferation efforts. 

The US embassy in Phnom Penh said in a press release on the same day that the discussions yielded fruitful results.

“NNSA values its collaboration with the Kingdom of Cambodia on nuclear and radiological emergency preparedness and response, and we particularly appreciate our partnership on nuclear smuggling detection,” the release quoted Rose as saying. 

During his visit, Rose was also slated to meet with port and customs officials and speak to university students about cybersecurity, before heading to Vietnam.

Yang Peou, secretary-general of the Royal Academy of Cambodia (RAC), said the discussions between Rose and pertinent Cambodian officials were necessary to avoid any misunderstandings on nuclear security. He also noted that the Kingdom, like all members of ASEAN, is firmly opposed to the proliferation of nuclear weapons.

“Preventing radiation emergencies is crucial – It’s the responsible option we must all prioritise. While the US can lead, it is also good to acknowledge we do not have this issue. Miscommunication creates confusion harming both relations and diplomacy,” he said.