PHNOM PENH: The US Ambassador to Cambodia, Patrick Murphy, sat down with The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, Aun Pornmoniroth, on Tuesday to discuss ongoing cooperations between the US and Cambodian Governments.

During the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister expressed deep gratitude on behalf of the Royal Government of Cambodia, to the Government and people of the United States, for providing grants that contribute to the economic and social development of Cambodia.

He also highlighted the close cooperation of the US Government in helping prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Cambodia, particularly through the provision of US $15 million in aid funding, and an additional donation of 1,060,100 Johnson & Johnson vaccines under the COVAX mechanism.

In turn, the US Ambassador praised the Royal Government of Cambodia for its achievements in preventing and controlling the spread of COVID-19, as well as for the implementation of a successful economic recovery plan. He highlighted the reopening of international tourism without the need for quarantine as a key strategy for Cambodia to recover its economy.

The Ambassador affirmed the US Government’s intention to continue supporting the Cambodian Government in the fight against COVID-19, through the provision of further grants that will go into improving the quality of health and security services, increasing food supplies, and improving the lives of the most vulnerable.

Both the Deputy Prime Minister and the Ambassador noted the positive aspects of bilateral cooperation between the US and Cambodia, particularly in the fields of economy, trade and investment. The two sides will continue to build on the existing foundations and ties of friendship and cooperation.