PHNOM PENH: Prime Minister Hun Manet thanked the United States for its past contribution to building and developing Cambodia by supporting multi-party democracy, human resource training, demining and for providing a comprehensive market for Cambodia's textile and garment products through the trade preferences, the provision of the Covid-19 vaccine, and funding for health and economic recovery.

On August 28, the PM met with a representative of the Subcommittee on State and Foreign Affairs for the US Senate, Alex Carnes, at the Peace Palace. Carnes congratulated the PM on his new role, calling it the beginning of a new chapter in the development of Cambodia-US relations. He praised the long-standing diplomatic ties between the two countries, specifically in social development assistance and the promotion of health and education in Cambodia.

Prime Minister Hun Manet emphasized that Cambodia is always open and welcomes all initiatives and cooperation that improve Cambodia-US relations. "Cambodia really wants good relations with the United States on the basis of mutual respect and mutual benefit," he said.

He added that his Cabinet is ready to work with the United States to further strengthen and expand relations and cooperation between the two countries in both bilateral and forum frameworks for the common benefit of both nations.

The two sides also discussed a number of issues related to strengthening liberal democracy, pluralism, human rights, security and socio-economic development.

Earlier this month, former Cambodian Minister of Commerce, Pan Sosak, met with a delegation from the US House of Representatives led by Jason Smith, chairman of the United States House Committee on Ways and Means. There, the minister requested the US Congress to renew preferential tariffs (GSP) to Cambodia for the duty-free import of clothing, footwear and travel goods to the United States.

According to the US Embassy in Cambodia, the United States is Cambodia's largest export market and one of Cambodia's largest trading partners. About 40% of Cambodia's goods were exported to the US market in 2022. The US has not renewed Cambodia’s duty-free preferences since late 2020.