USAID To Celebrate Its 50th Anniversary and 20 Years in Cambodia

AKP Phnom Penh, August 17, 2012 —

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and U.S. Embassy in Cambodia will mark USAID’s 50th anniversary and celebrate its 20th year in Cambodia on Wednesday next week, said today a press release from the U.S. Embassy.

A reception to celebrate the events will be held on Aug. 22, at 6:30 pm in the presence of H.E. Sok An, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister in charge of the Office of the Council of Ministers, U.S. Ambassador to Cambodia, H.E. William E. Todd, and USAID Mission Director Mr. Flynn Fuller.

According to the press release, USAID was created in 1961 out of a spirit of progress, innovation and a reflection of American values, character, and a fundamental belief in doing the right thing. It was in this spirit that President John F. Kennedy called for the creation of a U.S. government agency dedicated to combat hunger, disease, and poverty around the globe.

USAID’s current mission in Cambodia was established 20 years ago, but the history of U.S. assistance to Cambodia dates back several decades, said the press release, adding that since USAID’s mission was established in 1992, it has worked closely with the Royal Government of Cambodia and a wide variety of partners to improve the lives of Cambodians.

In the past two decades, USAID has helped Cambodia to improve the quality and availability of lifesaving health care services; increase the incomes of its citizens; strengthen its agricultural production; preserve its abundant natural resources; and engage its citizens in their country’s political processes, it indicated.

Much has been accomplished as a result of this partnership with Cambodia, it said.

By KHAN Sophirom