PHNOM PENH, May 27, 2024 — U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III will depart this week for a trip to Singapore, Cambodia, and France, according to a press release from the U.S. Department of Defense on Friday.

Secretary Austin's visit to Cambodia on June 4 is highly anticipated and marks an important moment in the ongoing diplomatic relations between the United States and Cambodia. This visit follows his trip to Phnom Penh in November 2022, where he attended the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus).

During his stay in Cambodia, Secretary Austin will meet with senior Cambodian officials to discuss a range of topics, including regional security, military cooperation, and ways to strengthen the bilateral relationship between the two countries. The discussions are expected to focus on enhancing defense ties, addressing mutual security concerns, and exploring opportunities for collaboration in various areas of defense and security.

“Secretary Austin's tenth trip to the Indo-Pacific comes as the Department of Defense continues to strengthen U.S. relationships with allies and partners in support of a shared regional vision for peace, stability, and deterrence,” the press release stated. This trip underscores the U.S. commitment to maintaining a strong presence in the Indo-Pacific region and supporting the stability and security of its allies and partners.

In addition to his visit to Cambodia, Secretary Austin's trip will include stops in Singapore and France. In Singapore, he is expected to participate in high-level discussions with key officials, further reinforcing the strategic partnership between the United States and Singapore. His visit to France will involve meetings with French defense leaders to discuss transatlantic security issues and strengthen NATO alliances.

Secretary Austin's itinerary highlights the importance of global partnerships and the role of the United States in promoting international security and cooperation. His visit to Cambodia, in particular, is seen as a significant step in enhancing the defense relationship between the two nations and reinforcing their commitment to regional stability.