Cambodia Celebrates U.S. Independence Day, Expresses Hope for Deeper Relations

Deputy Prime Minister Vongsey Vissoth on the evening of July 1, 2024, attended as the representative of the Cambodian government at a ceremony celebrating the 250th anniversary of the National Independence Day of the United States of America, held at Koh Pich City Hall and organized by the U.S. Embassy in Cambodia. The event was attended by members of the Senate, National Assembly, the Royal Government, diplomatic corps, the private sector, and many national and international distinguished 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 the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the U.S. National Independence Day. He emphasized that the commemoration today is a testament to the enduring resilience and prosperity of the American people, their institutions, and the ideals that form 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 Hun Manet, always attaches importance to relations with the United States. The two countries have diplomatic relations spanning over 75 years and have gone through many historical chapters, making this relationship stronger, more resilient, and more potential-filled. Cambodia remains fully committed to building a strong partnership based on the principles of mutual benefit, mutual respect, and mutual trust. Deputy Prime Minister Vongsey Vissoth also highlighted the positive momentum in Cambodia-U.S. relations, reflected in the progress of cooperation across all sectors. Specifically, in the trade and investment sector, the United States remains Cambodia's largest export market. The signing of the Open Skies Agreement, along with cooperation on the Techo International Airport project, has deepened economic ties and opened new avenues for both countries to build a vibrant and mutually beneficial partnership. In the defense and national security sector, the recent docking of the USS Cincinnati at Ream Naval Base, coupled with the resumption of important programs including the Angkor Sentinel exercise and the strengthening of cooperation between law enforcement agencies of both countries, especially in combating technological fraud, forms the bedrock for building renewed 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 home. Deputy Prime Minister Vongsey Vissoth expressed gratitude for the official development assistance and technical assistance provided by the United States in the past to support the development of Cambodia's priority sectors, including the first phase of the Pentagonal Strategy and other important 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. On this occasion, Deputy Prime Minister Vongsey Vissoth also expressed his profound gratitude to former President Donald Trump for his role in facilitating 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. Copyright: Sutly