In a meeting on the sidelines of the 78th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations in New York, US Acting Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland met with Samdech Thipadei HUN Manet, Prime Minister of Cambodia. The encounter came as the two nations discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation.
On September 22, 2023, Her Excellency Nuland warmly welcomed Samdech Thipadei’s visit to New York and congratulated him on his nomination as Prime Minister for the mandate of the Seventh Legislature of the National Assembly. The US welcomed the opportunity to enhance cooperation between the two countries by working closely with Samdech Thipadei and wished to see him and Cambodia succeed.
The talks centered on ways to elevate bilateral relations and cooperation to the next level. During the conversation, Her Excellency Nuland informed Samdech Thipadei that the US had decided to resume $18 million in assistance extended to Cambodia through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) that had been paused following this year’s general election.
The two sides also discussed the issue of repatriating Cambodian nationals from the US. Her Excellency Nuland requested faster procedures for receiving them in Cambodia, while Samdech Thipadei assured her that relevant Cambodian ministries and agencies would streamline the processes, making them more efficient and effective. In response, Her Excellency Nuland agreed to take care of health issues affecting those being repatriated.
Furthermore, the two sides exchanged views on areas of mutual interest, exploring opportunities for cooperation in various sectors.
The meeting highlights Cambodia’s growing role in regional and international affairs, particularly within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) framework. The resumption of US assistance to Cambodia through USAID is seen as a significant development, underscoring the importance of bilateral relations between the two nations.
In conclusion, the encounter between Samdech Thipadei HUN Manet and Her Excellency Victoria Nuland underscores the significance of strengthening ties between the US and Cambodia. As global uncertainties persist, both countries are seeking to deepen their cooperation on various fronts, with the potential for mutual benefits in the process.
Key Takeaways:
- The US has resumed $18 million in assistance extended to Cambodia through USAID.
- Cambodia and the US have discussed repatriating Cambodian nationals from the US, with accelerated procedures promised by the Cambodian side.
- The two sides have exchanged views on areas of mutual interest, exploring opportunities for cooperation in various sectors.