By:
• Teng Yalirozy

• September 27, 2024 , 7:15 PM

PHNOM PENH – A British Royal Navy ship has returned for a five-day visit and its second series of military drills with the Royal Cambodian Navy.

HMS Spey participated in joint training exercises in Sihanoukville port, covering navigation, man-overboard procedures, and firefighting techniques, on September 24 and 26.

The ship visited the country in February 2023, the first time for such a visit since 1958, to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Cambodia-UK diplomatic relations and to build a strong foundation of maritime and defense engagement.

The UK recognizes Cambodia as a crucial partner in ASEAN and the Indo-Pacific region, expanding cooperation across trade, education, and climate change, with a commitment to future collaboration.

Commander Paul Caddy, commanding officer of HMS Spey, said the UK and Cambodian armed forces had been conducting a series of training exercises which enhanced their growing partnership and sharing learning opportunities.

British Ambassador Dominic Williams expressed excitement over a new defense relationship, recalling when the ship docked last year and at that time the first Cambodian ever was studying at the UK’s elite officer academy, Sandhurst.

“We remain passionate about our defense relationship with Cambodia and I was delighted to welcome the return of HMS Spey as a sign of our enduring commitment,” he said.

The training on September 24 included navigation theory, man-overboard exercises, first aid and rescue serials, followed by damage control and firefighting drills on Sept. 26, culminating in a firefighting exercise.

Deputy Commander of Ream Naval Base Nguon Oudum expressed gratitude for the opportunity to train with the UK’s Royal Navy while HMS SPEY was stationed in Sihanoukville.

“We welcome frequent future visits by the Royal Navy to Cambodia so we may continue to conduct training exercises together, learning from each other’s experiences and growing the friendship between our two navies,” he said.

Both navies participated in social activities, including a friendly football match and a social event attended by senior officers from the Royal Cambodian Navy, Air Force, Army and Gendarmerie.

HMS SPEY's visit to Sihanoukville is part of the UK-Cambodia defense relationship, following the graduation of the first Cambodian officer from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst last year.

HMS Spey is an offshore patrol vessel. It features a catalytic reduction system to reduce nitrous oxide emissions by up to 97 percent to recycle clean water back into the ocean. The ship is one of the greenest ships in the UK Royal Navy.

The 70-year-old Cambodia-United Kingdom relationship, despite a 16-year gap, holds promise for future cooperation, but some areas require revisitation and strengthening.