Background
On 11 March 2026 in Singapore, H.E. Heng Sothea, Director General of the General Department of Waterway, Maritime and Port under the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, led a technical delegation to attend the 20th Governing Council Meeting and the 20th anniversary programme of the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia Information Sharing Centre (ReCAAP ISC).
The event was held from 11 to 13 March 2026 with participation from representatives of 21 member countries and around 20 related institutions in the maritime transport sector.
Scope of Application
The meeting concerned regional cooperation on combating piracy and armed robbery against ships in Asia. It focused on the work of ReCAAP ISC as a multilateral information-sharing and coordination mechanism involving member states and relevant maritime stakeholders.
Cambodia participated through its representative to the ReCAAP ISC Governing Council and through officials from the General Department of Waterway, Maritime and Port.
Key Provisions or Decisions
According to the ministry’s statement, the meeting reviewed the situation of piracy and armed robbery against ships in Asia through report analysis and threat assessment. Participants discussed updates to the ReCAAP ISC roadmap and considered the centre’s 10-year action plan for 2027-2036, the annual action plan and budget for 2026, the 3-year action plan for 2026-2028, and capacity-building plans intended to strengthen cooperation with member countries and related parties.
During the occasion, Cambodia’s representative expressed appreciation and congratulations to the chair, vice-chair, new governors, and the Executive Director of ReCAAP ISC, including in connection with the organisation’s 20th anniversary programme.
The Cambodian side also stated that Cambodia remains committed to strengthening cooperation with ReCAAP ISC member countries and relevant parties in combating piracy and armed robbery against ships in Asia and in maintaining peace, stability, and security in the region for maritime transport.
Implications for Investors, Businesses, or Compliance
This update is relevant to businesses and stakeholders involved in maritime transport, shipping, ports, and regional logistics because it records ongoing regional coordination on maritime security risks affecting shipping routes in Asia. It also indicates Cambodia’s continued participation in a regional maritime security framework concerned with threat monitoring, information sharing, and capacity building.
The ministry’s statement does not announce a new Cambodian regulation, compliance requirement, or enforcement measure.
Official Source
Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT), Facebook post dated 11 March 2026, regarding Cambodia’s participation in the 20th ReCAAP ISC Governing Council Meeting and 20th anniversary programme in Singapore.
