PHNOM PENH (AFP) — The United States on Monday gave 31 used trucks to Cambodia in its first direct supply of military hardware in more than a decade, saying ties between the two countries were improving.The GMC cargo trucks were the first delivery in a group of 60 the US military has agreed to give to the Southeast Asian nation. They were handed over at a brief ceremony at the kingdom's air base.
After years in the diplomatic wilderness, Cambodia's star is on the rise with the United States.
In particular, military ties to the country, largely snapped after Prime Minister Hun Sen ousted his then-political counterpart in a 1997 coup, were re-established two years ago with the promise of limited military aid.
Since then, at least three senior US military commanders have visited Cambodia, and in February last year the USS Gary became the first US warship to visit the former communist country in more than 30 years.
"The military-to-military relationship between the US and Cambodia is definitely on an improving track," said US embassy charge d'affaires Piper Campbell.
Cambodia has in recent years become a stronger focus for both Washington and Beijing.
China, a former patron of the genocidal Khmer Rouge regime, continues to eclipse the impoverished country's other donors with hundreds of millions of dollars in largely unconditional aid and a number of naval patrol boats.
"There is enough room for the US to work with Cambodia and China to work with Cambodia," Campbell said.
General Meoung Samphan, secretary of state at the defence ministry, welcomed the US trucks, saying it would help to reduce Cambodian spending on military equipment.
12 comments:
I just hope that dirt poor Cambodian government can afford to pay for the spare parts! Ahhahhah
Thanks! to American military!!!
When the oil is flowing, we'll the dictator more ammunitions.
Thank you to America military that gives trucks to Cambodia.
God bless U.S.A
Make sure not to use this arsenal of democracy to oppress your people.It's our taxes money.
Give Cambodia old used military trucks is not good enough but to give Cambodia new DMZ borders between the Thaicong and the Vietcong is well appreciated!
Cambodia desperately needs new modern weapon systems to deter the Thaicong and the Vietcong naked aggression!
1:16am
Khmer's gererals can't use sophisticate weaponry from the United States.Most stars there are illiterate butchers(chen kap chrouk). They bought their rank to look good and to show off to the chicks.They will appreciate more just for sling shot.
USA should help cambodia to build good infrastructure in the country because that kind of gift is priceless and can leave a lasting legacy for cambodia.
give also help train the cambodia. replenish what the KR had destroy is a good gesture by the USA. god bless.
All nations of the world,Cambodia will except the gift.I believe my Country will not refuse any kind of gift new or use.
Thank you!!!!!!God bless you all.
What about with 100 years of oil with those used truckers that donated by the U.S. taxpayers.
What about the 100 years of oil and trucks?,IS heaven and earth the same?.
Be better donated than demolish its,I believe the taxpayers will strongly agree to donated the 31 trucks to the Kingdom of Cambodia.
Post a Comment