AKP Phnom Penh, December 12, 2025 -- H.E. Sun Chanthol, Deputy Prime Minister and First Vice President of the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) received here on Dec. 12 a U.S delegation led by Mr. Benjamin Chiang, Acting Deputy Chief of Mission of the U.S Embassy in Cambodia. 

They discussed and exchanged views on the development cooperation plan between the U.S. and Cambodia, aimed at contributing to the further improvement of socio-economic development in the Kingdom.

In the meeting, H.E. Deputy Prime Minister expressed his gratitude and high appreciation for the role played by the U.S. President in actively helping to promote and enhance peace. 

Regarding economic cooperation, he expressed satisfaction with the growth of bilateral trade and recalled the signing of the Reciprocal Trade Agreement (RTA) with the U.S. on Oct. 26, 2025, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 

In response, Mr. Benjamin Chiang thanked the Deputy Prime Minister for the warm welcome and expressed his deep sorrow for the loss of life among Cambodian soldiers and innocent civilians due to the ongoing border armed conflict with Thailand.

Simultaneously, he emphasised the importance of the partnership, noting that Cambodia is one of the first two countries in the region to sign the Reciprocal Trade Agreement with the U.S., which is a positive signal for future cooperation.

Both parties are jointly committed for continued promotion and enhancement of the strategic partnership through various development programmes that are of mutual benefit.

By Chea Vannak