September 27, 2023
U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Cambodia W. Patrick Murphy led an Embassy delegation to meet with H.E. Prime Minister Hun Manet on September 27 at the Peace Palace for a fruitful discussion on a broad range of issues of mutual interest.
Ambassador Murphy acknowledged the Prime Minister’s productive engagements with U.S. officials and businesses at the recent United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) High-Level Week in New York and noted Cambodia’s continued partnership on important regional and global issues, including implementation of UN Security Council sanctions on the DPRK, protection of Ukraine’s territorial integrity, and resolution of the Myanmar crisis.
During their meeting, Ambassador Murphy highlighted the longstanding U.S. commitment to supporting the Cambodian people and contributing to the country’s development – as reflected by $3 billion in foreign assistance provided over the past 30 years. While he noted the decision to resume several U.S. foreign aid programs is part of broader assistance critical to the health of the Cambodian people and the Kingdom’s sustainable development, the Ambassador emphasized the importance of human rights and the protection of fundamental freedoms as integral to our bilateral relationship.
The Prime Minister and Ambassador Murphy discussed U.S. support for conventional weapons destruction activities, including the clearance of landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) in Cambodia, and the Ambassador expressed appreciation for close cooperation on the POW/MIA mission to account for American personnel in Cambodia.
Ambassador Murphy urged Cambodia’s leadership to maintain an independent and balanced foreign policy in the best interests of the Cambodian people and to pursue greater action to counter human trafficking and cyber scam operations, noting the importance of the Prime Minister’s frank public stance on combatting this global crime.
