US, Cambodia advance open skies deal and economic cooperation
US, Cambodia advance open skies deal and economic cooperation
A senior US diplomat has concluded a high-level visit to Cambodia, securing a major aviation agreement and discussing regional security and infrastructure investments.
US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Hunt VanderToll met with top Cambodian officials yesterday to address bilateral issues and economic cooperation.
VanderToll’s itinerary included meetings with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Prak Sokhonn; Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Tea Seiha; Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol, who serves as First Vice-Chairman of the Council for the Development of Cambodia; and Civil Aviation Minister Mao Havannall.
During the talks, VanderToll emphasised Washington’s commitment to regional peace and reaffirmed support for the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords and the US-backed December 27 ceasefire agreement.
A central milestone of the visit was a breakthrough on a US-Cambodia Open Skies Agreement. The deal, which concluded 12 years of negotiations, aims to expand commercial flights, tourism, and bilateral trade.
VanderToll also welcomed plans by the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to invest in Phnom Penh International Airport, a move officials say will significantly boost regional connectivity. Additionally, both sides pledged closer cooperation to support a free and open Indo-Pacific.
- 08:29 06/06/2026
