From Left: Chargé d'affaires ad interim of the US embassy Bridgette Walker, foreign minister Prak Sokhonn and culture minister Phoeurng Sackona attend the gala celebrations of the 75th anniversary of Cambodia-US diplomatic relation, held at the National Museum on January 24. Niem Chheng
The US and Cambodia commemorated the 75th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations on January 24. The two nations reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the bonds of friendship for their mutual benefit, with the resumption of military cooperation firmly in the spotlight.
Celebrations were held at the National Museum in Phnom Penh, where more than a hundred looted artefacts are stored after their repatriation from US museums and private collections, with the help of US authorities. The celebrations were attended by Deputy Prime Minister Prak Sokhonn, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Phoeurng Sackona, Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, and Bridgette Walker, chargé d'affaires ad interim of the US embassy.
Sokhonn expressed Cambodia's deep appreciation of the ties with the US, which he described as “founded on mutual respect”. He observed positive momentum in bilateral relations in recent years, ranging from trade and people-to-people connectivity to the resumption of military cooperation.
Touching on the repatriation of cultural treasures, Sokhonn said: “These treasures, once taken from our land, now stand as powerful symbols of justice, respect for history and the US’ unwavering commitment to preserving and honouring the Kingdom’s rich cultural heritage.”
He also emphasised how pivotal the trade, investment partnerships, cultural heritage preservation and de-mining efforts contributed by the US are to the relationship between the two countries.
“This celebration reflects the enduring bonds of friendship and mutual cooperation across various fields, strengthening the cooperative ties between us,” he said.
Culture minister Sackona also thanked the US for the return of the cultural artefacts, explaining that their return is about more than the recovery of the physical objects, but supports the restoration of Cambodia’s history, identity and dignity as a nation.
She added that Cambodia is committed to the recovery of the hundreds of other artefacts which are scattered across the world, in museums and private collectors. She thanked the US for their endeavours, as well as other support, such as the training of cultural officials in culture preservation.
Walker noted that the US has contributed over $6 million to cultural preservation in Cambodia. The US also contributed $3 billion to support the Kingdom’s economic development and dedicated millions more to supporting Cambodia farmers, through USAID.
“While the US has been, and remains, Cambodia’s largest export market, in recent years, we have also seen an increasing number of US business seeking to expand their market access into the Cambodian economy, bringing innovation and creating jobs,” she said.
She also highlighted US support for Cambodia in the health sector, as well as cooperation on security matters, specifically to deal with transnational crimes.
She also appreciated Cambodia’s efforts in the search for US MIA/POWs from the wars of the last century. Walker noted that the remains of 42 Americans are still believed to be lost in Cambodia.
At present, about 340,000 members of the Cambodian diaspora reside in the US. They serve as goodwill ambassadors, bridging the connection between the two countries. In addition there are hundreds of Cambodian alumni from US educational institutions and exchange programmes, all of whom have contributed to stronger people-to-people connections.
“The 75th anniversary is a testament to the enduring friendship between the US and Cambodia. Let’s us reaffirm our collective commitment to the principle of ‘we the people’ and continue to work together to build the future of prosperity and progress,” added Walker.
