Pnom Penh: Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Hunt VanderToll visited Cambodia to engage with senior Cambodian leaders on key bilateral priorities, regional security, and economic cooperation, reaffirming the United States’ commitment to a strong and constructive partnership with Cambodia.
During the visit, Deputy Assistant Secretary VanderToll held high-level meetings with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Prak Sokhonn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Tea Seiha, Deputy Prime Minister and First Vice Chairman of the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) Sun Chanthol, and Minister in Charge of the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation Mao Havannall.
In discussions with Cambodian officials, Deputy Assistant Secretary VanderToll emphasised the United States’ continued support for regional peace, stability, and prosperity. He reaffirmed U.S. backing for the implementation of the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords and the U.S.-supported December 27 ceasefire agreement, underscoring the importance of dialogue and cooperation in promoting lasting peace across the region.
A significant milestone achieved during the visit was the agreement on a U.S.-Cambodia Open Skies Agreement, concluding 12 years of negotiations. The agreement is expected to enhance commercial aviation links, increase tourism, facilitate trade, and strengthen people-to-people connections between the two countries.
The visit also focused on expanding cooperation to address shared regional challenges and support a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific. Both sides discussed opportunities to deepen collaboration in security, economic development, and infrastructure investment.
Deputy Assistant Secretary VanderToll welcomed the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation’s (DFC) planned investment in Phnom Penh International Airport, noting its potential to significantly improve regional connectivity, support economic growth, and further strengthen Cambodia’s role as a regional transportation hub.
The visit reflects the United States’ ongoing commitment to working closely with Cambodia to promote mutual prosperity, regional security, and sustainable economic development.
Photo by: Supplied
