Monday, August 23, 2010

US President's Letter to His Majesty

President Obama’s Letter to His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni on the Occasion of the 60th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between the United States and Cambodia

Your Majesty:

On behalf of the American people, I wish to congratulate the Kingdom of Cambodia on the Occasion of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries. This important milestone presents us with the opportunity to reflect on our shared past and to plot a course for the future based on the strong foundation we have built together.

Both Cambodia and the United States have changed immensely since July 11, 1950, when our first Ambassador to your country presented his credentials to King Sihanouk. As with any bilateral relationship, there have been times when we have not agreed, but the overall growth in the depth and breadth of our engagement reflects a maturing partnership. Over the last several years, for example, we have seen many positive developments, including the establishment of the Peace Corps program in Cambodia, the creation of the Extraordinary Cambers of the Courts in Cambodia and completion of its first trial, and the inauguration of Cambodia’s peacekeeping force, a truly momentous achievement for a coutry that was the beneficiary of peacekeepers less than two decades before. The United States is now the top market for Cambodia’s garment exporters, forming a pillar for the country’s economic growth. Military-to-military and counterterrism cooperation between our two countries has grown as well, creating a safer environment for both Americans and Cambodians.

In the coming years, we look forward to taking advantage of the positive momentum that has been created and to see the patnership between our two nations grow stronger and deeper in areas such as food security, climate change, health, education, human rights, and strengthening democratic institutions.

I congratulate the Royal Government and the people of Cambodia on their achievements and offer my best wishes on the occasion of this important anniversary.

Sincerely,
Barack Obama

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