On 26 January 2016, while calling on and having working discussion with Samdech Techo Hun Sen, HE John Kerry, the US Secretary of State, shared his admission that the Kingdom of Cambodia is making remarkable progress, especially Phnom Penh, where development has been rapid compared to a few years ago. In addition to his remark that Cambodia has potential and opportunity for Americans’ investments, US Secretary of State expressed his thanks to the Royal Government of Cambodia for taking part in peace keeping missions in the world under the umbrella of the United Nations. He affirmed that Cambodia is small but its contribution has been important and meaningful. HE John Kerry informed Samdech Techo of the purpose of his visit as part of the preparation process of the US-ASEAN Summit to be held in February, and to seek further approach for greater chance for the two countries. Samdech Techo Hun Sen thanked the US Administration for returning to Cambodia its archeological statues and sought further US cooperation on this matter. He also noted that Cambodia’s progress is indeed indispensable from assistance of and good relation with the US.
Samdech Techo suggested a joint promotion of trade between the two countries and was satisfied with Cambodia-US cooperation relations, especially in the field of anti-terrorism. While urging further US help in the field of health, education, and de-mining, Samdech Techo also sought permission for Cambodia’s export of goods free of quota and tax to the US. On issue of the South China Sea, Samdech Techo stressed that the problem is respect of law, Declaration of the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) that ASEAN and China already signed in 2002. What remained is to work together to achieve a Code of Conduct (COC) for South China Sea./.