Cambodia Celebrates US Independence Day, Signals Positive Momentum in Bilateral Ties

On the evening of July 1, 2026, Deputy Prime Minister Vongsey Vissoth, Minister in charge of the Office of the Council of Ministers, attended as the representative of the Royal Government of Cambodia at a ceremony celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Independence Day of the United States of America, held at Koh Pich City Hall and organized by the US Embassy in Cambodia. The event was attended by members of the Senate, National Assembly, government officials, diplomats, the private sector, and numerous distinguished national and international guests. On this historically significant occasion, Deputy Prime Minister Vongsey Vissoth, on behalf of the Royal Government of Cambodia, extended congratulations and best wishes to the government and people of the United States of America on their 250th Independence Day anniversary. He emphasized that the celebration serves as a testament to the resilience and enduring prosperity of the American people, their institutions, and the ideals that formed the foundation of the United States' creation and development. Deputy Prime Minister Vongsey Vissoth further stated that the Royal Government of Cambodia, under the wise leadership of Prime Minister Samdech Moha Bovor Thipadei Hun Manet, has always attached importance to its relations with the United States. The two countries have a diplomatic relationship spanning over 75 years and have navigated numerous historical chapters, making their ties stronger, more resilient, and full of potential. Cambodia remains fully committed to building a robust partnership based on the principles of mutual benefit, mutual respect, and trust. Deputy Prime Minister Vongsey Vissoth highlighted the positive momentum in Cambodia-US relations, reflected in the progress of cooperation across various sectors. Specifically, in trade and investment, the United States continues to be Cambodia's largest export market. The signing of commercial aviation and open-sky agreements, along with cooperation on the Techo International Airport project, has deepened economic ties and opened new avenues for both countries to build a dynamic and mutually beneficial partnership. In the defense and national security sector, the recent docking of the USS Cincinnati at the Ream Naval Base, coupled with the resumption of key programs including the Angkor Sentinel training exercise and the strengthening of law enforcement cooperation between the two countries, particularly in combating technology-based fraud, forms the bedrock for rebuilding trust and confidence. Concurrently, people-to-people relations are reaching unprecedented strength, with American tourists remaining among the top visitors to Cambodia, while hundreds of thousands of Cambodians consider the United States their second home. The Deputy Prime Minister also expressed gratitude to the United States for the Official Development Assistance and technical assistance provided in the past to support Cambodia's priority development sectors, including the first phase of the Pentagonal Strategy, as well as key sectors such as health, education, agriculture, demining, and the environment. He also conveyed special thanks to the United States for facilitating the return of Cambodian artifacts and for providing financial support in strengthening the protection of Cambodia's cultural sovereignty and heritage. During the event, Deputy Prime Minister Vongsey Vissoth also expressed profound gratitude to President Donald Trump for his facilitation of the ceasefire and the Kuala Lumpur Peace Agreement and Joint Statement on December 27, 2025. In conclusion, Deputy Prime Minister Vongsey Vissoth wished the United States continued peace, prosperity, and success. Cambodia looks forward to continued dialogue and practical cooperation, as well as strengthening relations with the United States for the benefit of both countries and to contribute to peace and prosperity in the region.