PHNOM PENH: National Assembly President, Heng Samrin, says Cambodia’s relationship with the US will continue to develop. He made the remark at the National Assembly on Thursday morning, during a visit by US Ambassador W. Patrick Murphy.

Relations between the US and Cambodia have been strained in recent months, but after this week’s ASEAN-US summit, things appear to be getting back on track. National Assembly President Heng Samrin welcomed US Ambassador W. Patrick Murphy on Thursday morning. Heng Samrin praised the Ambassador for his efforts in carrying out his diplomatic mission over the past two years, saying he had “boosted cooperation in many fields between the two countries and promoted progress.” He told the Ambassador that he believes the more than 70-year relationship between Phnom Penh and Washington will continue to develop “more fruitfully”.

In turn, the Ambassador congratulated the Royal Government on its vaccine rollout and its gradual reopening of the economy. He told Heng Samrin that the US has been active in Cambodia’s health sector, most especially during the Covid-19 outbreak, with the US donating more than a million doses of Johnson & Johnson vaccine through the COVAX initiative.

The meeting ended with the National Assembly president thanking the US for providing development assistance to Cambodia, while encouraging Washington to continue providing scholarships and training opportunities for young Cambodians, with the kingdom prioritizing a knowledge-based economy.