AKP Phnom Penh, July 02, 2026 --

Cambodia remains fully committed to forging a robust partnership with the United States grounded in mutual benefit, respect, and trust, Cambodia's Permanent Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Vongsey Vissoth said.

H.E. Vongsey Vissoth, who also serves as the Minister in charge of the Office of the Council of Ministers, made the remarks during a reception celebrating the 250th anniversary of U.S. Independence. The event, organised by the U.S. Embassy in Cambodia, was held at Koh Pich Convention and Exhibition Centre in Phnom Penh on Wednesday evening.

The high-profile event drew a diverse gathering of dignitaries, including members of the Senate, the National Assembly, Royal Government officials, the diplomatic corps, and private sector representatives.

In his address, the Deputy Prime Minister highlighted the growing momentum in bilateral relations across several strategic sectors: The U.S. remains Cambodia's largest export market. Bilateral economic ties have been deepened through reciprocal trade arrangements, an Open Skies agreement, and collaborative initiatives tied to the development of the Techo International Airport.

Security cooperation has seen renewed trust, highlighted by the recent port call of the USS Cincinnati at the Ream Naval Base. The two nations have also resumed key defence programmes, including the Angkor Sentinel joint military exercise, and tightened law enforcement cooperation to combat cross-border cyber scams.

U.S. travellers represent a high-tier segment of Cambodia's tourism influx, while hundreds of thousands of Cambodian diaspora members call the U.S. home.

H.E. Vongsey Vissoth expressed Cambodia’s gratitude for the U.S.' Official Development Assistance (ODA) and technical support, which align with the first phase of Cambodia's Pentagonal Strategy. U.S. aid has continuously targeted critical sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, demining, and environmental conservation.

He also extended specific appreciation to the U.S. government for its role in repatriating looted Cambodian antiquities, a move that heavily supported the protection of Cambodia’s cultural heritage and sovereignty.

Notably, the Deputy Prime Minister conveyed deep gratitude toward U.S. President H.E. Donald Trump for facilitating the ceasefire, the Kuala Lumpur Peace Agreement, and the subsequent Joint Statement issued on Dec. 27, 2025.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, H.E. Vongsey Vissoth emphasised, Cambodia will continue to prioritise its 75-year diplomatic relationship with the U.S., look forward to sustained practical dialogue, and contribute to broader regional peace and prosperity.

By K. Rithy Reak