USS Savannah (LCS 28) visits the Port of Brunswick in Georgia, US. US Navy
The US Navy is set to dock at the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port (PAS) for five days, marking the first visit by a US naval vessel to Cambodia in eight years and renewing efforts to strengthen and expand bilateral ties.
“In response to a request from the US and with the approval of the Ministry of National Defence of the Kingdom of Cambodia, the US Navy destroyer USS Savannah (LCS 28), carrying 103 crew members, will dock at PAS in Preah Sihanouk province from December 16-20, 2024,” stated a press release from the ministry on December 13.
The docking aims to foster bilateral cooperation and deepen the relationship between the two nations.
“Since 2007, 27 US Navy warships have docked in Cambodia. This visit is the first after an eight-year hiatus,” the statement noted.
According to the ministry, during the five-day port call, the ship’s delegation has planned several activities to promote cultural exchange and cooperation. These include meetings with the commander of the Ream Naval Base and the administrative leaders of the province, as well as a friendly sports competition between the crew of the ship and the Cambodian Navy. The visit will also feature other camaraderie-building programmes.
The ministry described the visit as an important event in the ongoing partnership between Cambodia and the US.
This visit follows a reaffirmation of the two countries' commitment to strengthening bilateral ties during a high-level meeting between Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn and Bridgette L. Walker, Chargé d’Affaires at the US embassy in Cambodia.
A bird’s-eye view of Sihanoukville Autonomous Port (PAS). Defence ministry
During a meeting on December 11, Sokhonn congratulated the US on its recent elections and reflected on the warm messages exchanged between Cambodian leaders and the incoming US administration.
Both sides expressed optimism about deepening ties in areas of mutual interest, including military cooperation, trade, tourism and cultural exchanges. Plans are underway for commemorative events next year to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Cambodia-US relations.
Cambodia expressed gratitude for the return of 150 Khmer antiquities by the US and voiced hope for continued collaboration in cultural preservation. Discussions also emphasised expanding educational opportunities, with over 1,000 Cambodian students having benefited from US scholarships and exchange programmes.
Humanitarian cooperation was another focal point, including joint efforts to recover the remains of missing US soldiers and support for Cambodia’s demining initiatives, strengthened by $12 million in US aid this year.
As the ASEAN-US Dialogue Coordinator for 2024–2027, Cambodia reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing the ASEAN-US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and fostering regional collaboration.
