US Department of State assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel J. Kritenbrink expressed the US’ willingness to work more closely with Cambodia on strengthening bilateral cooperation, during his call on Prime Minister Hun Manet on February 26.

A post on Manet’s social media said Kristenbrink spoke highly of Cambodia’s position on regional and international affairs, as well as the Kingdom’s success as ASEAN chair in 2022.

“Prime Minister Hun Manet and Kritenbrink also discussed enhancing cooperation on several sectors which will provide mutual benefits, including trade, investment, people-to-people relations, defence, and security,” added the post.

A US embassy in Cambodia press release said the discussions touched on the enforcement of UN sanctions against North Korea, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, foreign assistance programmes and the search of the remains of US soldiers (POW/MIA), as well as law enforcement cooperation.

The embassy said the talks also touched on local issues, such as human rights, democracy, human trafficking and freedom of the media.

“During the course of the discussions, the assistant secretary underscored that the US remains committed to the Cambodian people and their aspirations for a more prosperous, democratic, and independent country where all voices are heard and respected, and Cambodia’s sovereignty is protected,” the embassy added.