The U.S. and Cambodia-Celebrating 60 Years of Diplomatic Relations

September 3, 2010, 12:45 pm
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U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh

The U.S. Embassy and the Royal Government of Cambodia celebrated its 60^th Anniversary on July 13, 2010. Located in Phnom Penh, the U.S. Embassy is home to over 100 American staff and a dozen U.S. Government agencies, including USAID. Directed by Flynn Fuller, USAID manages an assistance budget of over $60 million to support the health and education in Cambodia.  
U.S. Ambassador to Cambodia, Carol A. Rodley, stated, “During this time of reflection, I have two thoughts about what the next 60 years will bring. First, no matter what happens, both sides will exert extensive energy. Building relationships is always hard work, and to continue making substantial breakthroughs will take a committed effort on both sides. Secondly, I have an enormous sense of hope.  Looking at where we have come from just over the last decade, we have made enormous strides in building and sustaining a lasting partnership. If we continue on the same trajectory, I have no doubt that our countries will become even closer in the next 60 years and beyond.”  
Carol A. Rodley is a career officer in the Senior Foreign Service and was sworn in as U.S. Ambassador to Cambodia on October 24, 2008.  She recently served as a faculty advisor at the Foreign Service Institute after returning from assignment as Counselor for Political Military Affairs at the United States Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan. Ambassador Rodley previously served as Acting Assistant Secretary and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Intelligence and Research from 2003 to 2006. She is a native of Massachusetts and a graduate of Smith College, and speaks Khmer, German, Spanish, Hindi, and Urdu. Urdu is one of two national languages of Pakistan. Ambassador Rodley is married to David Newhall and has 3 children; Alice, Niles, and Steven.  
I paid a visit to the U.S. Embassy’s Department of American Citizen Services because I had to change my passport and social security card from my married name, Balber, to my maiden name, Norodom, since I am no longer married. There are several entrances to the U.S. Embassy, but the American Citizen Services (ACS) is located directly across Wat Phnom. Security was tight walking into the embassy, as expected. The ACS office serves Americans who are traveling and residing in Cambodia. They provide a number of services to U.S. citizens, to include:  

• Birth and death registration
• Passport issuance and renewals
• Notarial and authentication services
• Voting and information services

They also provide emergency services to Americans in cases of arrest, repatriation, crime victimization, and hospitalization. In addition, they can direct you to local medical or legal providers if you need assistance. The U.S. Embassy is my safe haven.  
On July 13, 2010, U.S. President Obama sent a letter to King Norodom Sihamoni conveying His Excellency’s good wishes on the occasion of the 60^th Anniversary:  
Your Majesty:  
On behalf of the American people, I wish to congratulate the Kingdom of Cambodia on the Occasion of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries. This important milestone presents us with the opportunity to reflect on our shared past and to plot a course for the future based on the strong foundation we have built together.  
Both Cambodia and the United States have changed immensely since July 11, 1950, when our first Ambassador to your country presented his credentials to King Sihanouk. As with any bilateral relationship, there have been times when we have not agreed, but the overall growth in the depth and breadth of our engagement reflects a maturing partnership. Over the last several years, for example, we have seen many positive developments, including the establishment of the Peace Corps program in Cambodia, the creation of the Extraordinary Cambers of the Courts in Cambodia and completion of its first trial, and the inauguration of Cambodia’s peacekeeping force, a truly momentous achievement for a country that was the beneficiary of peacekeepers less than two decades before. The United States is now the top market for Cambodia’s garment exporters, forming a pillar for the country’s economic growth. Military-to-military and counter-terrorism cooperation between our two countries has grown as well, creating a safer environment for both Americans and Cambodians.  

In the coming years, we look forward to taking advantage of the positive momentum that has been created and to see the partnership between our two nations grow stronger and deeper in areas such as food security, climate change, health, education, human rights, and strengthening democratic institutions.

 

I congratulate the Royal Government and the people of Cambodia on their achievements and offer my best wishes on the occasion of this important anniversary.

 Sincerely,
Barack Obama