WASHINGTON: A press statement from U.S. Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, has been released for the occasion of the 2022 Khmer New Year.

His statement reads:

“On behalf of the United States of America, I extend my best wishes to the Cambodian people on the occasion of the Khmer New Year.

As Cambodians gather to celebrate, we are reminded of Cambodia’s rich and vibrant culture. We are honored to continue building the strong cultural connections between the United States and the Kingdom of Cambodia, and we look forward to further advancing our relationship to build a more prosperous, democratic, and independent Cambodia.

May all Cambodians enjoy a prosperous and healthy new year.”

Cambodia-U.S. relations began in 1950, at a time when the world was in the throes of the Cold War. Between 2018 and 2021, the U.S. provided a total of US $338 million in aid to Cambodia, covering different programs in the areas of health, education, governance, economic growth, and the clearance of unexploded ordnance and landmines.