Phnom Penh: Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA), ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee, led a Congressional Delegation (CODEL) to Cambodia on September 26–27 to strengthen the United States’ partnership with Cambodia and advance shared priorities for a stronger and safer Indo-Pacific region. The delegation included Rep. Michael Baumgartner (R-WA), House Foreign Affairs Committee; Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), House Armed Services Committee; Mr Brian Garrett, Minority Staff Director, HASC; Mr Mark Morehouse, Professional Staff Member, HASC; Mr Michael Hermann, Professional Staff Member, HASC; GySgt Catalina Delgado, USMC, House Legislative Liaison, Lead; and Maj Harris Laughrey, USMC, House Legislative Liaison.
The visit reflects the United States’ commitment to fostering a robust bilateral relationship with Cambodia, addressing global challenges such as economic development, and promoting regional stability and security cooperation. The delegation highlighted that the United States wants to see the Cambodia-Thailand border conflict ceasefire hold and turn into a durable and lasting peace.
“This delegation’s visit underscores the United States’ unwavering commitment to building a future that is safer, stronger, and more prosperous for both our nations,” said U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Bridgette Walker. “Cambodia is a key partner in the Indo-Pacific, and our discussions will focus on advancing shared goals, including regional security, economic growth, and the promotion of shared values.”
During the visit, the delegation held high-level meetings with Prime Minister Hun Manet, Deputy Prime Minister/Minister of Economy and Finance Aun Pornmoniroth, Deputy Prime Minister/Minister of Defense Tea Seiha, Minister of Commerce Cham Nimul, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Permanent Secretary of State Eat Sophea, as well as discussions with U.S. Embassy leadership in Phnom Penh. Congressman Smith and the delegation also met with the American business community in Cambodia to explore opportunities for expanding trade and investment between the two nations.
Key areas of focus during the visit included:
- Peace and Regional Security: Strengthening cooperation to address shared challenges such as maritime security, countering transnational crime, and ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific.
- Demining and Humanitarian Efforts: U.S. support for Cambodia’s efforts to clear landmines to make the land safer for Cambodian families and drive economic development. The delegation visited the Technical Institute for Mine Action in Kampong Chhnang province.
- Economic Growth: Promoting trade and investment opportunities that create jobs and drive prosperity in both nations, including discussions with Cambodian officials, the American business community, and the American Chamber of Commerce of Cambodia.
Photo by: Supplied
