Hun Manet says Cambodia does not have to pay 1 billion to join Peace Board

2026-01-27 - 04:39

PHNOM PENH — Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on Tuesday defended his decision to join the Trump-initiated Board of Peace, saying Cambodia will not be required to pay the proposed US$1 billion fee unless it seeks permanent membership. The move has drawn mixed reactions after Hun Manet confirmed Cambodia would take part in the initiative launched by US President Donald Trump, which aims to address conflicts in Gaza and other global hotspots. Some observers have welcomed Cambodia’s participation, saying it could raise the country’s profile on the global stage, even as many European nations and major powers have declined to join or have taken a cautious stance. Others, however, have raised concerns over the potential financial burden, citing reports that permanent membership could cost up to US$1 billion. In a public clarification, Hun Manet said Cambodia agreed to join as a founding member of the Board of Peace following an invitation from Trump on 16 January 2026. He said the decision reflects Cambodia’s long-standing commitment to peace, including its contributions to United Nations peacekeeping missions in conflict-affected countries. Addressing public concerns, Hun Manet said founding membership for an initial three-year period does not require any budget. “The US$1 billion budget applies only in the case of long-term or permanent membership,” he said. Trump has sent invitations to multiple countries, with several reported to have accepted, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Belarus. Others, such as France, Germany, the UK and Spain, have declined the invitation. France said the board’s charter does not align with United Nations resolutions on resolving the war in Gaza and includes elements that run counter to the UN Charter, according to its Foreign Ministry. Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob also rejected the invitation, warning that the initiative “dangerously interferes with the broader international order”. Thailand has also received an invitation. However, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the decision should be left to the next government, noting that the current administration is serving in a caretaker capacity.