Pentagon Press Secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout:
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III met today with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense Tea Banh in Cambodia to discuss Cambodia's work as ASEAN Chair and the state of the bilateral defense relationship. Secretary Austin welcomed Cambodia's leadership as ASEAN Chair during a challenging year, as well as Cambodia's support for United Nations General Assembly resolutions condemning Russia's aggression in Ukraine. He expressed appreciation for Cambodia's willingness to send de-mining teams to train Ukrainian de-mining experts.
Secretary Austin also expressed his concerns about military activities that could undermine regional stability and urged Cambodia to take steps to protect its sovereignty. He noted the importance of building a productive bilateral relationship that benefits our countries and peoples, and welcomed efforts to build bilateral trust.