Three vessels from the Russian navy have docked at Sihanoukville Autonomous Port in Cambodia as part of a visit aimed at strengthening friendship, solidarity and cooperation between the two countries.
The ships arrived on April 5 and are scheduled to remain until April 8, 2026. Cambodian naval officials at Ream Naval Base said the visiting vessels include the corvette Gromkiy, the submarine Petropavlovsk Kamchatsky and the support vessel Andrey Stepanov.
According to officials, the visit is intended to bilateral ties, particularly through exchanges of experience and expertise between the two navies.
The arrival of the vessels was welcomed by Russia’s ambassador to Cambodia, Anatoly Borovik, and Rear Admiral In Sokhemara, deputy commander of Ream Naval Base, along with around 60 Cambodian naval personnel.
As part of the visit, Cambodian and Russian naval personnel are also expected to take part in a friendly football match. The four day visit marks another instance of naval cooperation between the two countries.
Political analysts in Cambodia say the presence of Russian warships offers an opportunity to further strengthen ties across multiple sectors, especially in defense.
Kin Phea, head of the International Relations Institute at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, said the visit provides a chance for Cambodia’s navy to gain experience and technical knowledge from its Russian counterpart.
He added that the visit reflects sustained relations between Cambodia and Russia, despite Cambodia previously supporting a United Nations resolution condemning Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
This is not the first such visit. On April 28, 2025, three Russian naval vessels, including Rezkiy 343, Aldar Tsydenzhapov and the tanker Pechenga, also docked at the same port following the inauguration of Cambodia’s upgraded Ream Naval Base.
