H.E. SOK Chenda Sophea, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, engaged here on Dec. 14 in a friendly discussion with H.E. Ms. Melissa A. Brown, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, during the latter’s working visit to the Kingdom.
Both the Deputy Prime Minister and the Deputy Assistant Secretary reaffirmed the commitment to further enhancing mutually beneficial cooperation across various sectors, including trade and investment, development assistance, and people-to-people exchange.
The Deputy Prime Minister showcased people-centered policies and key priorities of the new government, including healthcare, education and training, and job creation. He also appreciated the USAID for supporting some of those domains. While recognising many amazing aspects of U.S.-Cambodia cooperation, the Deputy Assistant Secretary underscored that the U.S. would continue the collaboration, deepen it, and explore new partnerships. She emphasised that the U.S. would take holistic approach to the U.S.-Cambodia relations.
They also exchanged views on some regional and international issues of shared interest, including Cambodia’s upcoming role as the country coordinator for ASEAN-U.S. Dialogue Relations. The Deputy Assistant Secretary stressed that Cambodia’s reputable name as the ASEAN Chairmanship, and constructive approach to the Ukraine crisis will ease the dialogues. The U.S. will also work to support Cambodia’s endeavours in its capacity as the President of 5th Review Conference of the Mine Ban Convention.
This discussion reaffirmed their readiness to continue engaging in dialogues on multiple topics, including those with divergent views. Both sides underlined the importance of needing trust and treating each other as partners.
