Phnom Penh (FN), Jan. 8 – Cambodia and the United States, on Wednesday, kicked off the launching event for the 70th anniversary of US-Cambodia diplomatic ties at the Futures Factory in Phnom Penh.
Organized by the US Embassy Phnom Penh, today’s event paves ways for a year-long celebration, highlighting the contributions of the United States to Cambodia’s development, as well as the many important partnerships between the two countries.
Addressing before Cambodian Minister of Foreign Affairs Prak Sokhonn and other dignitaries, Ambassador W. Patrick Murphy emphasized the US’s dedication to the Cambodian people and organizations that share commitment for prosperous, democratic, and sovereign Kingdom.
According to the ambassador, the US Embassy in Phnom Penh will spotlight a thematic area of contributions, starting this month with agriculture — helping Cambodian Government improve agricultural technologies.
“Other themes throughout the year reflect areas of sustained cooperation and commitment: youth, education and technology, women and gender equality, environment, public health, people -to-people exchanges; humanitarian assistance; trade and investment; democracy and human rights,” said Ambassador Murphy.
Minister Prak Sokhonn, in response, thanked the US for the aids in many areas, including trade, education, and humanitarian assistance, particularly landmine clearance.
He took note that Cambodia-US relations were elevated through the exchanges of letters between Prime Minister Hun Sen and President Trump and the US’s approved funds on educational and cultural programs for Cambodia that will contribute to strengthening people-to-people ties, which will deepen the understanding between the two countries.
“Cambodia remains committed to work with US based on mutual respect for mutual benefits,” Minister Prak Sokhonn underlined.
Following the two-side remarks, Minister Prak Sokhonn and Ambassador Murphy jointly presented the logo, which reflects the strong bonds of Cambodia-US, incorporated with design elements from both flags and traditional Cambodia symbols.
2020 marks the 70th Anniversary of the establishment of these diplomatic relations. The US and Cambodia first established diplomatic relations in 1950, when US diplomat Donald Heath, stationed in then-French Saigon, presented his credentials to King Sihanouk — three years before Cambodia’s independence.
=FRESH NEWS
