Cambodia will join United States President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace, Prime Minister Hun Manet confirmed on Monday, describing the move as a demonstration of Cambodia’s goodwill and strong commitment to global peace.
The announcement was made in a Facebook post following a meeting between Hun Manet and Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander of the United States Indo Pacific Command, at the Peace Palace on the morning of 26th January 2026. The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral defence cooperation and broader regional stability.
The Board of Peace is an organisation intended to oversee reconstruction and peace efforts in Gaza following more than two years of conflict. Thailand has also received an invitation from President Trump to join the initiative, signalling a wider international coalition in post conflict recovery efforts.
During the meeting, Admiral Paparo expressed his gratitude and pleasure at meeting the prime minister again on his second visit to Cambodia. He expressed his satisfaction and high appreciation for progress in US Cambodia relations, particularly in the field of national defence. Hun Manet echoed this view, highlighting recent milestones in bilateral engagement.
Admiral Paparo thanked the Royal Government of Cambodia for allowing a US Navy ship to dock at the Samut Prakan base, describing the move as evidence of deepening military ties. Hun Manet responded by praising the strong history of military cooperation between the two countries and said the docking was a tangible result of the growing bilateral relationship. He added that he firmly believes relations between Cambodia and the United States will continue to strengthen and expand.
The prime minister also reflected on President Trump’s role in resolving recent regional tensions. On 27th December last year, Cambodia and Thailand signed a ceasefire agreement in Chanthaburi province, ending 20 days of fighting that killed at least 101 people and displaced more than half a million people on both sides.
Hun Manet said he deeply thanked His Excellency President Donald Trump for playing an important role in promoting the Cambodia Thailand ceasefire and for witnessing the signing ceremony of the Kuala Lumpur Joint Statement on 26 October 2025 in Malaysia. He also informed Admiral Paparo that Cambodia had received a formal letter of invitation from President Trump to participate in the Board of Peace.
The discussion also covered the Cambodia Thailand border situation. Hun Manet reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to respecting the ceasefire and resolving disputes peacefully through international law, existing treaties, and bilateral agreements. Admiral Paparo said President Trump continues to closely monitor the border situation and the implementation of the Kuala Lumpur Joint Statement.
Admiral Paparo also highlighted the constructive role of the ASEAN Observer Team and said the United States supports the continuation of the monitoring mechanism. He added that Washington backs efforts to accelerate the Joint Boundary Commission process to measure and demarcate the border.
Cambodia’s participation in the Board of Peace reflects its intention to position itself as a proactive contributor to international security and humanitarian efforts while maintaining stability in the region.
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