PHNOM PENH –The United Kingdom expressed hopes to
connect with Cambodia’s defense engagements through increased capacity building
while 2023 marks the 70th anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic
relations. As part of this enhanced engagement, a Non-Resident Defense Attaché,
Jamie Murray, was accredited in 2021. While paying his farewell as the British
Liaison Officer to Cambodia on July 27, Murray announced that his duties will
be taken over by Colonel Eddie Maskell-Pedersen. Like Murray, Maskell-Pedersen
will be based in Singapore, as the head of British Defense Staff for South East
Asia. General Vong Pisen, commander-in-chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed
Forces (RCAF) said he hopes Murray’s successor will continue to further improve
the cooperation between the armies of the two countries. He highlighted that,
in addition to nominating a Defense Attaché to Cambodia, Britain also provided
scholarships to RCAF at the British Military Academy.
Vong Pisen added the UK shared intelligence with
Cambodia on security and transnational crime matters. He also thanked London
for providing COVID-19 vaccine assistance to Cambodia, funds to conserve
forests and natural resources, and scholarships for humanitarian demining.
British Embassy
Spokesperson to Cambodia said the UK maintains long-standing defense
relationships with nations around the Indo-Pacific, including Cambodia.
The country has
significantly extended its presence and participation in the Indo-Pacific
region in recent years, most notably by joining ASEAN as a conversation partner
in 2021.
The UK provides
scholarships to military officials on leadership and military skills to
officers from around the world with the goal of improving the quality of
defense structures globally.
The Royal Military
Academy has provided a place for one Cambodian officer for the 2022-2023
training cycle.
“We
hope to continue engaging with Cambodia on defense relations to increase our
mutual understanding and find areas for cooperation,” the spokesperson said.
Colonel Jamie Murray also invited RCAF’s Commander-in-Chief Vong Pisen to visit
the UK and attend the graduation ceremony of the RCAF student there in December
2023.
The UK conducted its first ship visit in 65 years in February 2023. Docked at
Sihanoukville Autonomous Port on Feb. 13, the HMS Spey spent five days in
Cambodia’s waters.
Despite the 65-year gap, the visit offered a new beginning for the nations to
strengthen their fleets via training and cordial interaction, said Colonel
Jamie Murray at that time. by Thmey Thmey
