PHNOM PENH, August 25, 2026 — UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific Rosie Winterton has called for peaceful dialogue and continued cooperation between Cambodia and Thailand as she begins her first overseas visit to Cambodia, highlighting the United Kingdom’s commitment to regional stability, humanitarian recovery and Cambodia’s long-term development.

During her visit, Winterton is scheduled to travel to Siem Reap and Oddar Meanchey before holding meetings in Phnom Penh with Cambodian government officials. Her programme will focus on peace and security, education, humanitarian demining, trade and investment, development and human rights.

In Oddar Meanchey, the minister will visit Kok Prasat, where UK-funded education support is helping children displaced by the recent Cambodia–Thailand border conflict continue their schooling and begin rebuilding their lives.

The visit comes as the UK reiterates its support for sustainable peace and the full implementation of the December 2025 ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand. “The UK is committed to Cambodia’s stability and long-term development, and to working together for a peaceful and prosperous region,” Winterton said, according to the British Embassy in Phnom Penh.

She also emphasized the strategic importance of Cambodia and the wider region to the UK. “Cambodia sits at the heart of a region that matters for the UK’s security and prosperity,” she said.

During her visit to Oddar Meanchey, Winterton will also meet demining specialists from the UK charity HALO Trust and Apopo.

The UK has supported humanitarian mine clearance and recovery efforts in Cambodia for more than three decades. Since 2014, British-backed programmes have helped clear land equivalent to approximately 22,400 football pitches and return contaminated areas to productive use.

In May, the UK announced an additional £1.6 million in funding for mine clearance and mine-risk education in Cambodia. The funding is expected to help clear nearly 1.94 million square metres of contaminated land and contribute to Cambodia’s objective of becoming mine-impact free by 2030.

The UK says its development and humanitarian programmes are designed to support security, stability and long-term recovery while strengthening local communities and institutions.

In Phnom Penh, Winterton is expected to meet Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet to discuss bilateral relations and shared priorities for future cooperation.

Education will also be a key area of engagement, with the UK and Cambodia expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at strengthening institutional partnerships, promoting knowledge exchange and developing skills needed to support Cambodia’s future economic growth.

British higher education institutions have expanded their presence in Cambodia in recent years. De Montfort University and Teesside University are among UK institutions providing degree programmes in Cambodia, offering Cambodian students greater access to international higher education.

Winterton’s visit reflects a broader effort by the UK to deepen its engagement with Cambodia while supporting peace, humanitarian recovery, education and sustainable development.

For Cambodia, the UK’s renewed focus on humanitarian assistance and regional stability comes at a critical time as the country continues to address the humanitarian and socioeconomic consequences of the Cambodia–Thailand border conflict and pursue longer-term peace and recovery.