US warship makes friendship visit to Cambodian naval base

The USS Cincinnati made a port call at the Ream Naval Base in southwest Cambodia on Saturday.

This marks the first time that a US Navy warship has visited the facility since its renovation and reopening last year.

A Royal Cambodian Navy Delegation welcomed the littoral combat ship that was docking at one of Ream's piers.

The port call coincided with a meeting between the Commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command, Samuel Paparo, and Cambodia's defence chief Tea Seiha.

While China largely funded the base's upgrades including a new pier and dry dock, Cambodian authorities have consistently denied the country was granted exclusive access to the facility.

The deputy commander of Ream stated that the port is open for all foreign vessels to enter.

A statement by the Cambodian Navy said around 37 US warships had visited Cambodian facilities and that the Cincinnati's arrival is an opportunity for the two countries' future cooperation, especially related to human resource training.