Phnom Penh (FN), Sept. 25 - Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Patrick Murphy congratulated Cambodian Ambassador to U.S Chum Sounry on his official credentialing at the White House, according to U.S Embassy Phnom Penh’s statement on Tuesday afternoon.

“The United States looks forward to working with him and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to advance peace, security and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific,” the statement added.

President Donald Trump recently stated that the arrival of Cambodian ambassador in Washington is important on many levels, according to the press release of Cambodian Embassy to U.S dated on 17 September 2018.

“The arrival signifies the more than 25 years of restored relations we have enjoyed since the Paris Peace Accord,” President Trump told ambassador Chum Sounry.

It is worth noting that on August 10, President Trump announced his intention to nominate Patrick Murphy as the new Ambassador to Cambodia.

Murphy is currently Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Southeast Asia and is a career member of the Senior Foreign Service. He was previously Deputy Chief of Mission and Chargé d’affaires in Thailand (2013-2016) and Lesotho (2006-2008) respectively; and also served as Acting Special Representative and Policy Coordinator for Burma from 2012 to 2013.

Outgoing U.S Ambassador to Cambodia William A. Heidt fully supported the Donald Trump administration's decision to appoint Patrick Murphy as new U.S ambassador to Cambodia.

"Patrick is a terrific nominee for the position. He has a distinguished record of service, is very familiar with Southeast Asia and knows U.S. foreign policy in the region extremely well,” said Ambassador Heidt.
=FRESH NEWS