Original report from Phnom Penh
05 November 2008
Officials from Cambodia’s key ministries welcomed the election of Barack Obama as US president Wednesday, saying they were optimistic his administration would continue the good relations that have grown between the countries in recent years.
“In the past, we have had a good relationship with the US government, regarding counterterrorism, also with the FBI, CIA and [Drug Enforcement Agency], so we hope that with [Obama] the relationship will not change,” said Lt. Gen. Sok Phal, deputy chief of national police. “Cambodia has prepared already everything for the US government about terrorism and the proof of terrorism.”
Cambodia has proven a strong US ally in its regional war on terror, benefiting from military and law enforcement aid and training as a result.
Meanwhile, trade to the US has grown considerably, a trend officials said they hoped would continue.
“Every year, trade cooperation between the two countries has developed more and more,” said Kem Sithan, secretary of state for the Ministry of Commerce.
In 2008, Cambodia exported $3 billion in garments and agricultural products to the US, up from around $300 million in 2003, he said.
“I hope the next US president will not change this and that we will develop even more cooperation between Cambodia and the US,” he said.
Even though exports are growing, the next US administration should encourage even more trade, said Koy Koung, undersecretary of state for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The relationship between the two countries will not change, “because in recent years we have already built a relationship with the US, so either one of the candidates for US president would not change that.”
“In the past, we have had a good relationship with the US government, regarding counterterrorism, also with the FBI, CIA and [Drug Enforcement Agency], so we hope that with [Obama] the relationship will not change,” said Lt. Gen. Sok Phal, deputy chief of national police. “Cambodia has prepared already everything for the US government about terrorism and the proof of terrorism.”
Cambodia has proven a strong US ally in its regional war on terror, benefiting from military and law enforcement aid and training as a result.
Meanwhile, trade to the US has grown considerably, a trend officials said they hoped would continue.
“Every year, trade cooperation between the two countries has developed more and more,” said Kem Sithan, secretary of state for the Ministry of Commerce.
In 2008, Cambodia exported $3 billion in garments and agricultural products to the US, up from around $300 million in 2003, he said.
“I hope the next US president will not change this and that we will develop even more cooperation between Cambodia and the US,” he said.
Even though exports are growing, the next US administration should encourage even more trade, said Koy Koung, undersecretary of state for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The relationship between the two countries will not change, “because in recent years we have already built a relationship with the US, so either one of the candidates for US president would not change that.”
5 comments:
The US President-elect is
"Kenya's son", and Kenya declares this Thursday a public holiday to celebrate his election.
And the Cambodian leadership degraded Kenya, saying it was becoming a killing field, and the Kenyans were rude and servants, when they attacked Keynian Law Professor Yash Ghai for his criticism of the human rights situtation in Cambodia!
LAO Mong Hay, Hong Kong
Good reminder 8.33AM
Just the remider...Mr.Obama is the President of the United State and he's work for the people of United State...Not for Kenya.
I believe the relationship between the Kingdom of Cambodia and the U.S.A will not change.
Don't get excited, Dr Lao. Sometime, even a dog cans win lottery.
I want to reminding everyone to be moderate. Only we can achieve 'MODERATION' or DIVERSITY, that is when we are at our very best. I encourage every Cambodian people to move toward that... including Cambodian politicians. Too extreme or too much of anything is not good for you. Balance your stance... balance your needs, balance your views, balance your lives. together...
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