Cambodian, U.S. Armies vow to intensify defense cooperation

PHNOM PENH, Aug 29, 2011 (Xinhua) — Senior defense officials of Cambodia and the United States of America on Monday pledged to intensify bilateral ties on military cooperation in the areas of peacekeeping, maritime security, humanitarian assistance, and counter-terrorism.

During a meeting with Neang Phat, Cambodia’s Secretary of State for Defense, the visiting Brigadier General Richard Simcock, Principal Director for South and Southeast Asia in the Office of the U.S. Secretary of Defense, said that the U.S. would continue to help Cambodia in the above-mentioned areas in order to build a stronger tie between the U.S. and Cambodian armies.

“The assistance of the U.S. Department of Defense to Cambodia would help to develop a professional force that contributes to regional and international peace and stability,” (sic!) he said.

Meanwhile, Neang Phat said Cambodia and the U.S. military cooperation have been gradually improved and the U.S. Department of Defense has helped a lot in national defense.

“The visit of Brigadier General Richard Simcock in Cambodia will bring closer military cooperation between the two countries’ armies,” he said.

Simcock made his visit in Cambodia from Aug. 29 to 31 strengthen Cambodia-U.S. defense relationship, according to a press release from the U.S. embassy in Phnom Penh.

During the visit, he will participate in a defense ministry’s workshop in Sihanoukville to discuss the development of Cambodia’s maritime security strategy.