AGP Executive Report

UNCLOS Conciliation: Cambodia and Thailand’s UNCLOS conciliation process moves into its substantive phase after the PCA confirmed Ambassador Katrina Cooper as chair, with the commission set to set procedures, hear claims and legal arguments, and seek common ground rather than “winners.” Political Appointments: Kem Sokha’s daughter, Kem Monovithya, was appointed a special envoy to PM Hun Manet with minister-equivalent rank, following high-profile meetings involving Hun Manet and Hun Sen. Parliament Oversight: HoR Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal ordered the government to respond to lawmakers’ queries within three days. Online Scams Crackdown: Authorities investigated 751 cyber scam sites in a year, shutting 605, revoking/suspending casino licenses, and building thousands of court cases. Women, Media and Abuse: Cambodia’s Ministry of Information says it will step up enforcement against content violating rights and dignity, after renewed attention to online abuse. Public Services & Development: Phnom Penh launched its Tourism Development Plan 2026–2030, while the Ministry of Health and the U.S. Embassy agreed to fast-track a 2026–2030 health MoU toward universal health coverage. Military Reform: Cambodia is shifting soldiers’ salary payments to banks, requiring accounts by June 30, 2027. Human Rights Memory: Khmer Rouge S-21 survivor artist Bou Meng died at 85, leaving fewer living witnesses to the regime’s crimes. Education Pressure from Iran War: UNICEF-linked reporting warns fuel-price shocks could push millions of children into poverty, including in Cambodia’s Tonle Sap communities.

HIV Policy Win: UNAIDS says Cambodia is the first (and only so far in Asia-Pacific) to hit the 95-95-95 targets, crediting determined national leadership plus community partnerships that drive testing, treatment, and undetectable viral loads. US Trade & Compliance: Washington’s “Great Transshipment Scam” report flags more than 40 countries, placing Cambodia in the lowest-risk tier but still naming it among places tied to tariff-evasion routes—while Singapore stresses strict local rules and accurate origin declarations. Cambodia-US Defence: The US reaffirms deeper defence cooperation with Cambodia, with Prime Minister Hun Manet welcoming progress and preparations for the 2027 “Angkor Sentinel” exercise. Political Opening Signals: Analysts watch a rare public meeting between Hun Manet and Kem Sokha’s daughter, Kem Monovithya, as a potential sign of a widening political dialogue ahead of 2027. Women in Local Power: CPP President Hun Sen urges parties to put women in winnable ranks for commune and sangkat elections, pushing for at least one woman elected per commune. Khmer Rouge Witnesses: Bou Meng, a rare S-21 survivor and artist whose portraits helped keep him alive, dies at 85, further shrinking the living pool of genocide witnesses. Economy & Jobs: Cambodia reports 845 new factories in the first half of 2026, creating over 90,000 jobs, as officials tout investor confidence. Regional Security Drills: Cambodia is listed among participants for the Asean-India Maritime Exercise (AIME) in late September/early October off the Philippines.

Khmer Rouge Justice & Memory: Cambodian artist Bou Meng, one of the last known survivors of Tuol Sleng (S-21), died at 85, leaving fewer living witnesses to the Pol Pot-era torture system and the ECCC’s work. Ruling Party Politics & Opposition Outreach: Prime Minister Hun Manet met Kem Sokha’s eldest daughter, Kem Monovithya, in a rare public engagement; Senate President Hun Sen also shared photos of his own meeting with the family, fueling talk of a widening political opening ahead of 2027. Women in Governance: Senate President Hun Sen urged the CPP to ensure women are placed in electable positions for commune and Sangkat elections, calling for at least one woman elected per commune and clearer quotas. Social Media Governance: Hun Sen ordered relevant ministries and courts to set up mechanisms to monitor abusive online language, including pursuing lawsuits to protect dignity, especially for women. Cambodia–US Defence Ties: The US pledged to further strengthen defence cooperation with Cambodia after meetings with Hun Manet, including preparations for the 2027 Angkor Sentinel exercise. Regional Diplomacy: Hun Sen sent Independence Day congratulations to Indonesia, Pakistan, and Indonesia’s Senate leadership, underscoring continued legislative-to-legislative cooperation. Labour & Migration Shock: A worker exodus following Thailand–Cambodia border tensions exposed Thailand’s reliance on migrant labour and the limits of its current labour model. Trade & Compliance Watch: Singapore’s MTI said firms transshipping through the hub must accurately declare the true origin of goods after a US tariff-evasion “transshipment” warning. Industry Modernisation: Cambodia’s garment sector was urged to adopt higher-tech production to stay competitive as global brands demand faster, cleaner, more transparent manufacturing. UNCLOS Leadership: Cambodia welcomed the appointment of Katrina Cooper as chair of the UN UNCLOS Conciliation Commission, saying it could help resolve maritime boundary differences. Tourism & Community Push: Hundreds of cyclists promoted green tourism and delivered education supplies to underprivileged students, linking heritage travel with social impact.

Khmer Rouge Memory: S-21 survivor Bou Meng has died at 85, shrinking the living witness pool to the Pol Pot era and renewing calls to preserve testimony tied to justice efforts. Veterans & Pensions: Minister Chea Vandeth met about 1,700 retirees and veterans in Takeo, reiterating the government’s long-term support through pensions and benefits alongside wider infrastructure and social services. U.S.-Cambodia Defence: U.S. Under Secretary of War Policy Elbridge Colby pledged deeper defence cooperation with Prime Minister Hun Manet, pointing to mutual respect and preparations for the 2027 Angkor Sentinel exercise. Cambodian Politics Watch: Analysts are reacting to Hun Manet’s social media meeting with Kem Monovithya, framing 2027 as a potentially “interesting” political year. Women in Local Government: CPP and Senate leadership urged parties to place women in winnable ranks for commune/Sangkat elections, aiming for at least one woman elected per commune. Media & Training Links: Cambodia and Türkiye discussed journalist capacity-building, including a planned “War Journalism” training for Cambodian journalists. UNCLOS Maritime Step: Cambodia welcomed Australia’s Katrina Cooper as Chair of the UNCLOS Conciliation Commission, calling it a key move toward resolving maritime differences and supporting energy security. Military Conscription Rules: Hun Manet signed procedures for Cambodia’s conscription law, setting registration and call-up mechanics, allowances, and deferment options. Online Scams Crackdown: The U.S. and Cambodia discussed implementing the online scams law and prosecuting masterminds, as trust concerns linger among analysts. Regional Health Policy: 16 Asia-Pacific countries adopted the Phnom Penh Communiqué on health equity, linking AI governance and climate resilience to Universal Health Coverage. Trade & Industry Pressure: Cambodia’s garment sector was urged to adopt high-tech upgrades to stay competitive as global brands demand faster, higher-quality, and more sustainable production. EV Grid Push: Electricité du Cambodge is expanding the charging network and grid integration to match rising EV registrations.

US-Cambodia Defense Ties: Under Secretary of State for War Policy Elbridge Colby met PM Hun Manet in Phnom Penh, pledging stronger defense cooperation and highlighting preparations for the 2027 “Angkor Sentinel” exercise. UNCLOS Maritime Process: Cambodia welcomed the appointment of Australian diplomat Katrina Cooper as Chair of the UNCLOS Conciliation Commission, saying it could help resolve maritime differences and unlock oil and gas cooperation. Military Conscription Rules: Hun Manet signed a sub-decree to operationalize Cambodia’s military conscription law, setting a 2-year service term for men (18-25), an Oct–Dec registration window, and a lottery/voluntary mix, with allowances and deferments. Border Tensions with Thailand: Cambodia lodged a formal protest over Thailand’s land allocation in disputed border areas, calling it unlawful and a move that prejudges demarcation work. Online Scams Crackdown: The US Embassy and Cambodia’s justice leadership discussed prosecuting online scam masterminds and expanding technical cooperation under Cambodia’s online scam law. Local Governance Accountability: Kampong Chhnang removed senior officials over irregularities in a commune-funded infrastructure project, renewing scrutiny of how decentralization oversees public spending. Women in Politics: CPP President Hun Sen urged parties to place at least one female candidate in electable positions in every commune/sangkat and set a goal of women holding 50% of commune clerk posts by 2050. Garment Industry Upgrade: Cambodia’s textile and garment fair spotlighted a push for high-tech modernization to keep exports competitive as global brands demand faster, higher-quality and more sustainable production. EV Grid Expansion: Electricité du Cambodge said it is expanding public EV charging, supported by an initial $10m government allocation, aiming for fast charging across provinces and corridors. HIV Milestone: UNAIDS highlighted Cambodia’s 95-95-95 HIV achievement as proof that leadership plus community partnership can deliver sustained results.

UNCLOS Maritime Dispute: Cambodia welcomed the appointment of Australian diplomat Katrina Cooper as Chairperson of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) Conciliation Commission, saying the process could help resolve Cambodia–Thailand maritime differences and unlock overlapping oil and gas resources. Military & Governance: Prime Minister Hun Manet signed a sub-decree laying out procedures for Cambodia’s mandatory military service law, including registration rules, a two-year service period for men, and allowances—while civil society warns about transparency and fair application. Cambodia–US Security Ties: Hun Manet said Cambodia and the US will restart long-delayed joint military exercises in 2027, framing Angkor Sentinel as a “bridge” to rebuild defence cooperation. Online Scams & Justice: The US Embassy reaffirmed support for Cambodia’s online-scam crackdown, urging prosecution of masterminds and offering technical assistance tied to the Law on Combating Online Scams. Trade & Tariff Evasion Watch: A new US report on a “shadow transshipment network” again flags Cambodia as part of a wider set of countries accused of helping China evade Trump-era tariffs. Women in Local Politics: CPP leader Hun Sen directed parties to place at least one woman in an electable commune/sangkat position nationwide, alongside targets for women to reach 50% of commune clerk posts by 2050. Decentralization Scrutiny: In Kampong Chhnang, three senior officials were removed over irregularities in a commune-funded infrastructure project, renewing debate over whether decentralization oversight systems are keeping up.

Cambodia–US Defence Reset: PM Hun Manet says Cambodia will restart long-delayed joint military drills with the United States in 2027, after talks with Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby, framing Angkor Sentinel as a “bridge” to closer army ties. Cambodia–Thailand Tensions: Cambodia’s Information Minister rejects Thai claims that its cross-border operations target only military objectives, calling for independent international verification and pointing to civilian harm. Online Scams Cooperation: The US Embassy in Phnom Penh reaffirmed support for Cambodia’s online-scam crackdown, highlighting technical assistance and justice-focused cooperation under the Law on Combating Online Scams. Francophonie Logistics: Cambodia launched the official website and opened registration for the 20th Francophonie Summit (Nov 15–16), setting up the main portal for accreditation and updates. Local Governance Scrutiny: In Kampong Chhnang, three senior provincial officials were removed over irregularities tied to a commune-funded infrastructure project, renewing debate on whether decentralization oversight is keeping up. Health & Social Impact: UNAIDS says Cambodia has reached the 95-95-95 HIV targets, while an NGO in Klang Leu urges faster action on children’s basic healthcare and immunization access. Digital Economy Snapshot: An ADB brief puts Cambodia’s digital economy at 1.8% of GDP, citing weak internet, payment systems, and regulatory barriers.

Online Scam Crackdown & Justice Cooperation: Deputy PM and Justice Minister Koeut Rith met the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires to reaffirm Cambodia’s push against online scam crimes, with both sides stressing law-enforcement coordination and information sharing. Parliament & Global Health: Cambodia’s National Assembly wrapped the 9th Asia-Pacific Parliamentarian Forum on Global Health, adopting the Phnom Penh Communiqué on Universal Health Coverage, with AI to be used responsibly and with safeguards. Media Coverage Rules: The Ministry of Information opened registration for journalists to cover a Phnom Penh international conference on combating online scams (Sept. 23-24), aiming to bring together officials and technical experts from 16 countries. Human Capital for Tech: Labour Minister Heng Sour urged Cambodian scholarship recipients heading to South Korea to master advanced tech—especially AI, computer science and engineering—and return to serve national development. Tourism & Local Governance: PM Hun Manet urged provinces to keep investing in public infrastructure and upgrading tourist sites, linking better local planning to attracting both domestic and international visitors. ASEAN Environment Milestone: Prek Toal Ramsar Site was nominated as Cambodia’s third ASEAN Heritage Park, after unanimous ASEAN support. Regional Security & Diplomacy: Cambodia also hosted talks on mine-free cooperation with Türkiye, as CMAA senior minister Ly Thuch highlighted new challenges from explosive remnants tied to past border disputes. Transport & Investment Signals: Siem Reap Angkor International Airport reported 714,133 passengers in the first half of 2026 and discussed expanding international routes, while Phnom Penh welcomed GAZ Group’s plan to set up a vehicle production and assembly facility. Scam-Driven AI Risks: A separate global report warned that AI systems can carry political censorship patterns, raising concerns for countries trying to protect citizens from tech-enabled fraud.

Defense Diplomacy: DPM and Defence Minister Tea Seiha met Vietnam’s Deputy Defence Minister Nguyen Truong Thang in Phnom Penh, underscoring continued Cambodia–Vietnam security engagement. Aviation & Connectivity: Siem Reap Angkor International Airport handled 714,133 passengers in the first half of 2026, with officials pushing to restore growth and expand international routes, including incentives for new flights. Industry & Investment: Russian GAZ Group is exploring a Phnom Penh production and assembly facility for trucks, buses and emergency vehicles, citing strong local demand and seeking a strategic site. Education & Scholarships: CDC Secretary-General Kong Vimean urged 18 Cambodian scholarship recipients heading to the Czech Republic to return as “goodwill ambassadors,” focusing on tech, AI, economics and sustainable agriculture. Health Policy & AI Ethics: Cheam Yeap stressed that AI for Universal Health Coverage must be guided by ethics, safety, equity, privacy and public trust at the 9th Asia-Pacific Parliamentarian Forum on Global Health. Regional Geopolitics: Experts in Phnom Penh said ASEAN unity is vital as geopolitics reshapes trade, technology and security, with ASEAN positioned as a bridge rather than a battlefield. US Defense Posture: US Under Secretary Elbridge Colby said Washington seeks “peace through strength” and deeper defense ties across Southeast Asia while avoiding unnecessarily provocative rhetoric. Trade & Infrastructure: Japan approved an additional $114m loan for a new container terminal at Sihanoukville Autonomous Port, aiming to boost logistics efficiency and competitiveness. Cybercrime Response: A report on voice-phishing scams highlights how Cambodia-linked rings allegedly used phone-number spoofing and call rerouting to defeat victims’ verification attempts. Parliamentary Forum: Session 5 of the APPF-GH focused on “Time to Action” for climate, health and AI collaboration across the Asia-Pacific. Public Access to Religion: Cambodia’s first Latter-day Saints temple in Phnom Penh opened to journalists, with a public open house running Aug. 15–22.

Labour & Skills Cooperation: Cambodia’s Labour Minister Heng Sour met Liechtenstein Development Service’s country coordinator and signed an MoU on technical and vocational education and training (TVET), signalling continued focus on workforce development. Human Trafficking Response: The Ministry of Interior launched new guidelines for identifying trafficking victims and directing them to protection, health care, legal aid, and reintegration services. Women’s Protection at the Border: A new counselling room in Banteay Meanchey opened to support women and girls facing higher risks linked to the Thai border crisis, backed by UNFPA, Japan, and TPO Cambodia. Education & Public Service: PM Hun Manet praised the smooth conduct of the 2026 Upper Secondary School Examination (Baccalaureate) and urged provinces to keep improving public infrastructure and attractions to draw both domestic and international tourists. Investment Push: Hun Manet urged further streamlining of investment procedures, citing a $2.7B pipeline in four northeastern provinces and high project implementation rates. Trade & Jobs: Cambodia’s cashew sector scored a first direct shipment of processed nuts to the UK, supported by UK, EU, and German programmes. Parliament & Regional Health: Cambodia hosted the 9th APPF-GH, with delegates visiting Kampot healthcare facilities as lawmakers push for Universal Health Coverage. Sovereignty & Security Messaging: Hun Manet reiterated that regional frameworks like CLV-DTA are for development and do not compromise sovereignty, while Cambodia also moves to strengthen defence readiness through compulsory military service.

National Assembly Diplomacy: NA President Samdech Khuon Sudary sent a congratulatory letter to India’s Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on the 80th Independence Day, reaffirming parliamentary ties and broader cooperation. Sovereignty & Regional Frameworks: PM Hun Manet said Cambodia’s CLV-DTA participation is for development and cooperation, stressing it does not compromise sovereignty after Cambodia withdrew in 2024. Investment & Jobs: Hun Manet announced 72 investment proposals worth about $2.7B for four northeastern provinces, targeting nearly 83,000 jobs, with incentives for agriculture, agro-industry and tourism. Anti-Corruption Message: The premier urged governors and officials to prioritize public service over personal gain, framing legacy around achievements. Border Infrastructure Push: Hun Manet reiterated progress on the Banlung–Dragon’s Tail road to ensure direct access through Cambodian territory, and highlighted the Border Infrastructure Construction Fund’s public participation and transparency. Universal Health Coverage: Cambodia hosted the 9th Asia-Pacific Parliamentarians’ Forum on Global Health, with lawmakers stressing Universal Health Coverage and regional cooperation. Education & AI Readiness: Cambodia reported a major jump in AI readiness rankings, while upper secondary exams concluded with 151,238 candidates taking the 2026 baccalaureate.

Border Tensions: Cambodia formally protested Thailand’s continued construction of new military bunkers and a planned power grid expansion near Ta Krabey temple and Hill 333, saying both projects encroach on Cambodian territory and risk escalating tensions. Humanitarian Monitoring: The ASEAN Observer Team inspected the Techo Morakot Primary School and Health Center in Preah Vihear, damaged in December 2025 attacks, with Cambodia reiterating its commitment to implement the Cambodia-Thailand ceasefire and border agreements. Justice & Rights: Rong Chhun says the Justice Ministry failed to address his constitutional concerns after it said his case was handled properly and pointed him to appeal options. Digital Economy & Skills: Cambodia launched a 2026-2030 National Strategy on Startup Development, targeting 300 startups in incubation, 100 receiving investment, and $30m in startup funding, while separate programs expanded vocational scholarships and monthly stipends for poor and vulnerable youth. AI Push: Cambodia jumped 27 places in AI readiness to 118th, but experts warn the real work is turning plans into usable systems. Regional Security Messaging: US Pentagon official Elbridge Colby, on a Southeast Asia tour including Cambodia, urged allies to invest more in defense and stressed “partners, not protectorates,” while pushing a denial-defense posture. Livestock Protection: The Cambodia Livestock Raisers Association urged a crackdown on illegal pork, meat and egg imports, warning of disease risks and price pressure on local farmers. Tourism Pressure: Siem Reap vendors say declining foreign arrivals have hurt sales, with domestic tourism helping them stay afloat.

Parliamentary Diplomacy: Cambodia is urging parliaments worldwide to take a bigger role in safeguarding peace as it prepares to host the 2nd Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (Aug. 26-28), framing the meeting around solidarity, international law, and peaceful conflict resolution. Border Tensions & Civilian Impact: Cambodia continues pressing Thailand over new military bunkers and power-grid expansion in disputed border areas, while ASEAN observers inspected damaged civilian facilities in Preah Vihear’s Techo Morakot—where Cambodia says Thai F-16 strikes, artillery, cluster munitions, and drones hit a health center and school. Health Policy: Cambodia is hosting the 9th Asia-Pacific Parliamentarians’ Forum on Global Health (Aug. 11-13) on universal health coverage amid climate change and AI, with the Health Minister stressing UHC as a social contract and the First Lady distributing Health Equity Fund cards to underprivileged families. Skills & Youth Employment: The government launched a 2026-2030 National Strategy on Startup Development and rolled out TVET 1.5M vocational scholarships and stipends, including 1,150 scholarships at RPITSE across multiple skill tracks. Mine Action Warning: Cambodia’s mine action authority warned that fresh Thai incursions are reintroducing unexploded ordnance hazards in areas previously cleared, threatening years of demining gains. Agritourism Push: Tourism and Agriculture ministries signed an MoU to develop agritourism and ecotourism hubs and link local farms to visitor demand. Security & Governance: A senior US defense official told regional allies to invest more in their own defense, stressing Washington wants “partners, not protectorates,” while also reaffirming continued US engagement in Asia. Trade & Regional Ties: Cambodia and Laos continued high-level parliamentary engagement ahead of Lao National Assembly President Dr. Xaysomphone Phomvihane’s funeral, underscoring traditional special ties.

Cambodia-Thailand Border Row: Phnom Penh lodged a formal protest after Thailand allegedly built new military bunkers inside Cambodian territory near Thmor Da checkpoint, and planned to extend its power grid into disputed areas—Cambodia says the move violates bilateral boundary treaties and reiterates that armed force cannot create lawful territorial rights. US Security Posture in Asia: A senior Pentagon official, Elbridge Colby, told a Manila forum the US is “digging in” rather than disengaging, urging allies to spend more on defence and take responsibility for sovereign security as Washington expands deterrence by denial along the “first island chain,” with Cambodia on his Southeast Asia itinerary. Cambodia’s Border Law Messaging: The Information Minister doubled down on the legal argument, citing Franco-Siamese delimitation maps to reject Thailand’s claims and stressing occupation by force cannot substitute for law. Digital Scam Crackdown (Regional): India’s “digital arrest” scam probe panel discussed lowering the CBI case threshold from Rs 10 crore to Rs 1 crore to better target organised networks. Education & Governance: Cambodia began the Grade 12 national exam with 151,238 candidates, with strict rules against devices and collaboration with anti-corruption bodies to curb bribery. Health Policy Forum: Cambodia’s National Assembly and WHO will host the 9th Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum on Global Health in Phnom Penh (Aug 11–13) on universal health coverage amid climate change and AI. Environment & Investment Planning: Cambodia and the ADB launched river basin master planning for the Tonle Sap area to turn water security goals into investment-ready projects. Veterans’ Welfare: The state distributed relief packages to 491 veteran families in Svay Rieng, pairing support with calls for stability and local production. Economy (Cashew Value-Add): Australia-backed efforts with Olam aim to expand Cambodia’s cashew processing capacity, warning the country currently captures only about 5% of value domestically and loses over $125 million annually. Tourism & Conservation: A “Run for the Mekong River Dolphins” event in Stung Treng promoted green-season tourism and dolphin protection with about 1,000 participants.

Indigenous Peoples Day & Indigenous Midwives: Cambodia marked the 32nd World Indigenous Peoples Day and the 22nd national observance in Stung Treng under “Honouring Indigenous Midwives,” with senior ministers and about 940 participants highlighting support for indigenous livelihoods, culture, and rights. Parliament & Health Diplomacy: The National Assembly, with WHO, will host the 9th Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum on Global Health in Phnom Penh (Aug 11-13), focused on universal health coverage amid climate change and artificial intelligence. Border Law & Sovereignty: Information Minister Neth Pheaktra reiterated that military force cannot alter international boundaries or create lawful territorial rights, citing Cambodia’s Franco-Siamese delimitation maps and rejecting unilateral Thai claims. Cluster Munitions Warning: Cambodia’s mine action authorities warned that unexploded Thai cluster munitions could endanger civilians for years, citing contamination across hundreds of villages and millions of submunitions. Education Oversight: Cambodia’s Grade 12 national exam began with 151,238 candidates, with thousands of observers and anti-corruption checks; results are due Sept 2. Water & Investment Planning: Cambodia and the ADB launched a resilient river basin master plan initiative for the Tonle Sap basin, aiming to turn long-term water security goals into investment-ready projects. US Security Posture: A senior Pentagon official said the US is “digging in” in Asia, urging partners—including Cambodia on a regional trip—to shoulder more defense responsibility. Tourism & Conservation: Cambodia held a “Run for the Mekong River Dolphins” in Stung Treng to boost green-season tourism and support dolphin habitat protection. Veterans’ Welfare: Cambodia distributed relief packages to 491 veteran families in Svay Rieng, pairing assistance with calls for stability and local production.

ASEAN 59th Anniversary Diplomacy: Cambodia’s FM Prak Sokhonn said ASEAN’s future depends on active participation beyond governments—business, academia, civil society, youth and communities—while peace must be treated as a daily choice backed by restraint, dialogue and rule of law. Border & International Law: Cambodia’s Information Minister Neth Pheaktra rejected unilateral “facts on the ground,” saying armed force can’t change boundaries or create lawful territorial rights, as CMAC again highlighted Thai cluster-munition impacts on border villages. US-Cambodia Security Links: Two senior US defense officials are set to visit Cambodia to deepen bilateral defense ties, while Cambodia and the US also signaled plans to resume CARAT in 2027. Malaysia-Cambodia Defense Cooperation: PM Hun Manet met Malaysia’s defense minister, with both sides discussing peacekeeping, maritime security and AI capacity-building for defense. Water Security Planning: Cambodia launched long-term river basin masterplanning for the Tonle Sap system with ADB support to guide allocation, flood/drought management and future investment. Public Health & Enforcement: Cambodia reported new Covid-19 cases and ordered closures of KTVs and theatres, while authorities deported 777 foreign nationals over immigration and other violations. Culture & Community: Hun Manet urged preservation of indigenous midwives’ traditional medical practices, and the Latter-day Saints opened public tours of Cambodia’s first temple in Phnom Penh. Sports: Hun Manet congratulated Cambodia’s ITF Taekwon-Do team for 41 medals at the Asian championships and confirmed Cambodia’s 2028 hosting rights. Environment & Tourism: About 1,000 runners joined a Mekong dolphin conservation race in Stung Treng, linking ecotourism with protection of the critically endangered species.