In light of the US State Department’s well wishes to Cambodia for Khmer New Year, the Cambodian government believes the relationship between the two countries will be further enhanced, a sentiment echoed by the US government.
A Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation press release said Monday said: “The government and people of Cambodia highly value friendship with the United States of America and strongly believe that closer ties and good cooperation between the two nations will be further promoted with our common resolve.”
The ministry thanked the US State Department for its cordial greetings and best wishes to the people of Cambodia during the celebration of the Khmer New Year from April 13 to April 16.
It also wished the US government and its citizens great success in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic and its negative impacts.
Last Thursday, US State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus issued a press statement wishing Cambodians well as they prepared to celebrate the New Year.
“This time of the year reveals the rich culture of the Kingdom of Cambodia,” Ortagus said.
“The people of the United States greatly appreciate your culture and the strong people-to-people ties between our two countries. These ties give us resolve to address current global challenges that affect us all, and we certainly believe our friendship will deepen in the years to come.”
US Ambassador to Cambodia Patrick Murphy, who is experiencing his first Khmer New Year in the Kingdom, posted a one-minute video on the US Embassy in Cambodia’s Facebook page likewise wishing the Cambodian people peace, good health and prosperity.
“As you begin to receive the first angel for this Khmer New Year, I’d like to express the solidarity between the American people and the people of Cambodia.
“We’ve been so warmly embraced by the Cambodian people and greatly appreciative to experience your tradition and your deep culture. This Khmer New Year is a different kind of new year, as we all work together to fight the global pandemic.
“We hope you will celebrate well but stay home to keep safe and secure. For the year ahead we wish you peace, good health and prosperity. Happy Khmer New Year,” Murphy said.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo sent his good wishes on Twitter last Friday, also wishing good fortune to all Cambodians.
“Through our shared resolve to address the global challenges that affect us all, we look forward to deepening our friendship in the years to come,” he said.
