Phnom Penh: Samdech Maha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary, President of the National Assembly, held a meeting with a delegation from the U.S. Congress on February 17. The delegation was led by H.E. Jimmy Panetta, a Democratic Congressman from California, and included fellow California Democrat Mr. Salud Carbajal and Illinois Republican Congressman Mr. Darin Lahood.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the meeting focused on strengthening bilateral parliamentary relations and enhancing people-to-people connections. Samdech Khuon Sudary emphasized the improving economic cooperation between the U.S. and ASEAN, particularly with Cambodia, noting that the relationship between Cambodia and the U.S. was on a positive trajectory.

The NA President welcomed U.S. involvement based on independence, international law, and core national interests. She emphasized that democracy must develop internally, reflecting a nation’s history, culture, and conditions, and thanked the U.S. for its humanitarian aid and the return of cultural antiquities, which she described as the soul of the nation.

The U.S. delegation expressed gratitude for the dialogue with Cambodia and acknowledged the valuable meetings with various government agencies and the National Assembly as a strong foundation for future collaboration. They committed to advocating for enhanced trade and defense partnerships with the U.S. administration, alongside promoting the rule of law and democracy.

Both parties acknowledged Cambodia’s progress and mutual respect for values, agreeing to explore additional areas of cooperation in the future.