New U.S. envoy pledges to cement ties with Cambodia [... hopefully NOT in providing military aid used in REPRESSION!!!]

Friday, June 15, 2012

Willian E. Todd

PHNOM PENH, June 15 (Xinhua) -- The newly-designated Ambassador of the United States to Cambodia William E. Todd on Friday pledged to strengthen and expand the relations and cooperation with Cambodia in all fields for mutual interests.

He made the remark during a meeting with President of Cambodia' s National Assembly Heng Samrin, Kaim Sokal, the spokesman for Heng Samrin, told reporters after the meeting.

Todd said the United States would still continue helping Cambodia strengthen democracy and human rights.

He added that the visit of Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Hor Namhong to the United States on June 12 was a new testament of growing relationship between the two countries and that in July, the U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will make a visit to Cambodia to attend the 19th ASEAN Regional Forum.

Meanwhile, Heng Samrin said the two countries' relations and cooperation have gradually strengthened and expanded, especially in the fields of politics, foreign affairs, military, trade, education, health and demining.

On bilateral trade, he said, Cambodia exported garments and footwear to the United States equivalent to 2 billion U.S. dollars last year. In return, the United States exported to Cambodia an amount of 180 million U.S. dollars.

Todd substituted the outgoing U.S. ambassador to Cambodia Carol A.Rodley. He had presented his credentials to Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni to mark his official start of diplomatic mission in the kingdom last Friday.

Posted by Heng Soy