PHNOM PENH (FN), Jan. 26 — The United States of America will work closely with Cambodia for the forthcoming elections in 2017 and 2018, said visiting U.S. Chief Diplomat at a press conference on Jan. 26.

U.S. Secretary of State, John Kerry, told a press conference at the end of his first visit to Cambodia that “Cambodia is preparing for an election next year and then another one in the following year that are necessary for a peaceful atmosphere.”

“We will be working closely with Cambodia to develop this program and also to improve health care as well as foodstuff,” he added.

Kerry arrived in Cambodia on Jan.25 for a two-day visit. The purpose of his visit is to prepare for a U.S.-ASEAN summit meeting in California next month that will be hosted by President Barak Obama.