Phnom Penh (FN), Sep. 27 – Cambodian prime minister Hun Manet and ambassador of the United States (US) to Cambodia Patrick Murphy agreed to speed up the procedures for repatriation of Cambodian-US citizens and to coordinate the search for the remains of American soldiers.

This agreement was made during​ the ambassador's courtesy call on the premier at the Peace Palace on Wednesday morning (Sep. 27).

According to a spokesman, during the meeting, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet welcomed the US ambassador and his colleagues and informed them of the good results achieved by the premier and delegation from bilateral meetings in New York. In particular, the bilateral meeting with US acting deputy secretary of state Victoria Nuland.

On behalf of the Royal Government of Cambodia, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet thanked the US government for resuming approximately USD 18 million in assistance through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The reimbursement will be used in key areas such as: (1) the provision of health services in both the public and private sectors; (2) sustainable environmental protection; 3) prevention and fight against tuberculosis; and (4) entrepreneurship training for Cambodian youth.

Regarding the procedures for repatriation of Cambodian-US citizens, both sides agreed to continue to coordinate and cooperate closely at all stages of the process, namely: (1) speed up the identification and arrangement, (2) simplify the procedures at the time of delivery and (3) plan the activities of support and integration so that they can adapt to the kingdom’s lifestyle.

Regarding the remains of Prisoner of War (POW) or Missing in Action (MIA), Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet informed the US ambassador that the Royal Government of Cambodia has paid close attention and adjusted the composition of the POW / MIA commission to facilitate and cooperate with all stakeholders to carry out the mission to search of the POW / MIA in a timely manner and successfully with gestures of respect and love for the families of the missing fighters.

The two sides also discussed and continued to operate in other areas of mutual interest.

The premier praised and highly appreciated the Cambodia-US bilateral cooperation in the past. Both sides also pledged to continue to work more closely with each other for the benefit of both countries.
=FRESH NEWS