HMAS Ballarat visited Sihanoukville, Cambodia, from October 10 to 14 as part of Indo-Pacific Endeavour – Australia’s flagship regional defence engagement program.

Indo-Pacific Endeavour (IPE) is an annual activity that aims to strengthen Australia’s partnerships across the region through military cooperation, joint training and people-to-people engagement.

Commanding Officer Ballarat Commander Dean Uren highlighted the importance of IPE for building lasting connections through training, cultural exchange and shared experiences.

“By working together, our navies strengthen not only professional skills but also the personal connections that form the foundation of enduring partnerships,” Commander Uren said.

Ballarat’s visit builds on the longstanding bilateral relationship between Australia and Cambodia, which now spans more than 70 years.

“As our navies operate together more often, we continue to see more practical, meaningful engagement develop, at sea and ashore,” Commander Uren said.

“We are eager to maintain this tempo of engagement and to see our relationship continue to grow with more regular ship visits, including to Ream Naval Base in the near future.”

'By working together, our navies strengthen not only professional skills but also the personal connections that form the foundation of enduring partnerships.'

This sentiment was echoed by Secretary of State for Ministry of Cambodian National Defence General Tea Vinh in a speech at Ballarat’s official reception while alongside in Sihanoukville.

“Australia-Cambodia military cooperation continues to grow stronger each year,” General Vinh said.

“Our enduring friendship and close cooperation have greatly contributed to strengthening the bonds between our two nations, particularly in the field of national defence.

“HMAS Ballarat’s visit highlights Australia’s strong commitment to fostering stability and cooperation in the region and beyond.”

This year’s IPE program has included military-to-military and wider government engagements across key areas, including human capital and culture, innovation, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, maritime security and law, and English language training.

Ballarat personnel built on this by conducting engagements with the Governor of Sihanoukville Province, Deputy Chief of Navy and Commander of Ream Naval Base, as well as through English language training, boarding party, navigation and communications workshops, medical training and a friendly volleyball match.

This visit, while part of IPE, formed part of Ballarat’s three-month regional presence deployment which began on September 1, when Ballarat sailed from her home port in Western Australia.

Regional presence deployments play a vital role in Australia’s long-term security and prosperity by protecting Australia’s interests, preserving an international rules-based order, enhancing cooperation and relationships with regional partners and allies, and developing capability and interoperability.