US defense chief visits Cambodia to 'strengthen' relations

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) – US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin arrived in Cambodia on Tuesday for a one-day visit, meeting with top government officials to discuss ways to strengthen their "bilateral defense relationship."

Austin met with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and discussed "how the US and Cambodia can strengthen our defense relationship in support of regional peace and stability," the US defense chief said on X.

Hun graduated from the same US Military Academy, West Point, in 1999 that Austin did in 1975.

Austin also met with former Prime Minister and incumbent Senate President Hun Sen.

He also held talks with his Cambodian counterpart Tea Seiha.