Vietnam comments on Cambodia's Ream naval base upgrade

“Vietnam always wishes to maintain and strengthen good cooperative relations with countries around the world," Hang stated during a press conference in Hanoi on Thursday.

"Cooperation between countries should actively contribute to peace, security, stability, and prosperity in the region and the world.” 

She emphasized that Vietnam respects Cambodia's independence and sovereignty, and consistently advocates for its peaceful and stable development as a responsible member of the international community.

The Ream naval base, located in Sihanoukville Province in southwestern Cambodia, was inaugurated on April 5 after approximately three years of construction and upgrades.

According to the Khmer Times, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet stated that the upgraded naval base would enhance the country's naval operational capacity, maintain maritime security, protect natural resources, and facilitate joint exercises with friendly nations, while also preventing maritime crimes.

He noted that the base is open to foreign military vessels but affirmed that Cambodia does not allow any foreign country to establish a military base on its soil, nor does it deploy its military forces abroad, in accordance with Cambodia’s Constitution.

The Cambodian leader also mentioned that the Cambodian Navy will soon receive two new warships which will enhance its operational capabilities, support peacekeeping operations, and carry out search and rescue and humanitarian missions at sea.

He stressed that Cambodia welcomes sincere support from all countries and will continue to promote diplomatic and military relations with friendly nations based on the principles of equality, respect for sovereignty, and mutual benefit.

The newly inaugurated facilities, covering a total area of over 787,000 square meters, include a military port, a 5,000-metric-ton dry dock, a 1,000-metric-ton slipway, office buildings, dormitories, and other logistics infrastructure.