Sihanoukville (FN), Apr. 5 – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet welcomed all military forces of all friendly nations wishing to dock at Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base for joint military exercises.

The premier spoke on Saturday (Apr. 5) at the inauguration of Ream naval base and Cambodia-China Joint Logistics and Training Centre in Sihanoukville.

Samdech Thipadei rejected unfounded allegations suggesting that the newly-launched Ream Naval Base would solely accommodate Chinese naval vessels.

“As I announced yesterday, from today, with the official opening, all training with friendly countries and visits by naval forces will be permitted. We have docking facilities and accommodation available,” the premier underscored.

“We have nothing to hide. This is an opportunity to enhance sovereignty, friendship, and solidarity between Cambodia and all nations, particularly in our national defence sector based on mutual respect for sovereignty,” Samdech Thipadei continued.

Samdech Thipadei affirmed that all foreign military vessels seeking to dock at Ream Port must notify Cambodian authorities in advance, including Chinese military ships, except in emergency situations requiring rescue. All military ships may enter, but they are not too large for the port’s capacity.

The premier underlined that the Ream Naval Base remains under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Cambodian Navy. However, Samdech acknowledged that some opposition groups and foreign media outlets would persist in seizing opportunities to criticise Cambodia over this issue.

Premier Hun Manet added that if Cambodia had anything to conceal, it would not have held an inauguration ceremony or widely publicised the event via news outlets and social media. The Royal Government of Cambodia has acted in full accordance with the national constitution.
=FRESH NEWS