In a meeting between His Excellency SOK Chenda Sophea, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and Her Excellency Melissa A. Brown, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, on December 14th, both parties reaffirmed their commitment to further enhancing mutually beneficial cooperation across various sectors.
The discussion, which took place during the latter’s working visit to Cambodia, focused on strengthening trade and investment relations, as well as development assistance and people-to-people exchange. The Deputy Prime Minister showcased the new government’s people-centered policies and key priorities, including healthcare, education, and job creation, while expressing appreciation for US support in these areas.
The U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary emphasized that the country would continue to collaborate with Cambodia, deepen existing partnerships, and explore new opportunities. She highlighted the importance of a holistic approach to U.S.-Cambodia relations and stressed that trust is essential for effective dialogue.
Both parties also exchanged views on regional and international issues of shared interest, including Cambodia’s upcoming role as the country coordinator for ASEAN-U.S. Dialogue Relations. The Deputy Assistant Secretary praised Cambodia’s reputation as the ASEAN Chairmanship and its constructive approach to addressing global challenges.
Furthermore, the discussion touched upon Cambodia’s efforts in its capacity as the President of the 5th Review Conference of the Mine Ban Convention. This initiative aims to eliminate unexploded ordnance (UXO) and promote disarmament.
The meeting underscored the importance of partnership and cooperation between the two countries. The U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary stressed that divergent views can be addressed through constructive dialogue, emphasizing the need for trust and mutual respect in their relationship.
The discussion marked an important step towards strengthening bilateral ties between Cambodia and the United States. As both countries navigate complex global landscapes, this renewed commitment to cooperation is expected to yield positive outcomes in various sectors.
Key Takeaways:
- Cambodia and the US have pledged to strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, development assistance, and people-to-people exchange.
- The two countries emphasized the importance of trust and mutual respect in their dialogue.
- Cambodia’s role as a coordinator for ASEAN-U.S. Dialogue Relations and its efforts in the Mine Ban Convention were discussed.
Conclusion:
The meeting between the Deputy Prime Minister of Cambodia and the U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary highlights the significance of strengthened cooperation between the two countries. As Cambodia continues to navigate its role on the global stage, this renewed commitment to partnership is expected to yield positive outcomes in various sectors, including trade, development assistance, and people-to-people exchange.