Phnom Penh: U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Daniel J. Kritenbrink, and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs, Jed Royal, met with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet in Phnom Penh today. The meeting focused on strengthening the U.S.-Cambodia bilateral relationship and addressing key regional concerns.
The high-level meeting, centered on fortifying the U.S.-Cambodia bilateral relationship, tackled a broad spectrum of collaborative efforts and shared concerns. Among the key focal points were the enforcement of UN sanctions against DPRK, the united condemnation of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, various foreign assistance programs, POW/MIA accounting efforts, and law enforcement collaboration.
Moreover, the dialogue ventured into critical areas necessitating advancement within Cambodia, including the enhancement of democracy and human rights, combating human trafficking, broadening the scope for a free and independent media landscape, and bolstering regional security measures.
Assistant Secretary Kritenbrink articulated a clear message of unwavering support from the United States towards the Cambodian populace, echoing the collective aspirations for a nation that thrives on prosperity, democratic values, and independence. His remarks emphasized the importance of fostering an inclusive society where diverse voices are not only heard but respected, safeguarding Cambodia's sovereignty.
A highlight of the visit was Assistant Secretary Kritenbrink’s engagement with the Cambodian alumni of the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI), marking the decennial celebration of this influential regional exchange program. This interaction underscored the commitment to nurturing future leaders and bolstering ties through people-to-people connections, further enriching the U.S.-Cambodia relationship.
As these discussions unfold, they signify a pivotal moment in U.S.-Cambodia relations, promising a path towards mutual respect, cooperation, and a shared vision for a stable and thriving Southeast Asia. The visit not only reaffirms the United States' commitment to Cambodia’s sovereignty and democratic progression but also sets a forward-looking agenda for bilateral cooperation in critical areas of mutual interest.
