The United States and Cambodia will participate in the joint military exercise, Angkor Sentinel, on March 13-22 in Kampot and Kampong Speu provinces, aiming at cementing the two countries' military ties, according to a press release from the U.S. Embassy on Monday.

Angkor Sentinel 2012 is a major bilateral exercise that continues a substantial, multi-year effort by U.S. Army Pacific and U.S. Pacific Command to actively engage with Royal Cambodian Armed Forces and expand peacekeeping and stability operations capabilities, said the press release.

Approximately 100 members of U.S. Army Pacific will join Royal Cambodian Armed Forces in focusing on peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance operations, including a battalion exercise, a counter-improvised explosives devices field exercise, medical civic actions projects to treat underserved rural inhabitants, and battlefield medical activities, it added.

Angkor Sentinel is an annual bilateral exercise sponsored by U.S. Army Pacific and hosted by the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces.

It is the latest in a continuing series of rigorous, multi- faceted exercises designed to promote regional peace and security, it said, adding that the exercise marks the third anniversary of this significant and highly productive regional military exercise.