PHNOM PENH, Sept 29 – The UK warship HMS Spey made its second visit to Cambodia this week, docking at Sihanoukville Autonomous Port (PAS) for two days of joint training exercises with the Royal Cambodian Navy (RCN).
The visit marks a continuation of the growing defence relationship between the United Kingdom and Cambodia, according to a press release on Friday (Sept 27) from the British embassy in Cambodia.
Led by Commander Paul Caddy, the crew conducted training sessions with 30 officers from the RCN on September 24 and 26. The exercises covered a range of topics including navigation, man-overboard procedures and firefighting techniques.
“Bilateral training serials such as those we have conducted with the RCN are invaluable for shared learning and strengthen the growing partnership between the UK and Cambodian armed forces,” Caddy was quoted as saying in the release.
British ambassador to Cambodia Dominic Williams expressed enthusiasm for the expanding defence ties between the two nations.
Reflecting on the progress since the ship’s last visit in 2023, Williams said, “We remain passionate about our defence relationship with Cambodia, and I was delighted to welcome the return of HMS Spey as a sign of our enduring commitment.”
The two-day training programme featured navigation theory and man-overboard exercises using the ship’s seaboat, as well as first aid and casualty rescue drills.
