Outgoing U.S. Ambassador to Cambodia H.E. W. Patrick Murphy has expressed his optimism and appreciation for the good relations and cooperation between the two nations, particularly in the areas of politics, economy, trade, education, health, demining, etc. In a farewell visit to Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet at the Peace Palace here this afternoon, the outgoing U.S. diplomat noted that under the leadership of Samdech Thipadei in the past eight months, the diplomatic relations and cooperation between the two countries have been further strengthened and expanded. H.E. Ambassador thanked the Royal Government of Cambodia for its support and good cooperation in the POW / MIA search and rescue mission. As a major partner of Cambodia in mine clearance, he continued, the U.S. will continue to support Cambodia's hosting of the Siem Reap-Angkor Summit on a Mine-Free World in November this year. H.E. W. Patrick Murphy also mentioned the defence cooperation between both countries th rough discussions on joint plan of actions, including exchange programmes for military students. For his part, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet spoke highly of the active contribution of the outgoing ambassador and his colleagues in tightening the diplomatic relations and cooperation in the fields of education, health, tourism, culture, people-to-people relations and private sector connectivity promotion, and so on. The Premier reaffirmed the 7th-mandate Royal Government's readiness to continue to deepening the Cambodia-U.S. cooperation, stressing that it remains committed to the relations with all countries on the basis of consistency and sustainability. Besides, he highlighted the launch of new policies and action plans to improve the business environment in Cambodia in order to attract more new investors, including those from the U.S. On the occasion, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet conferred a high decoration upon H.E. W. Patrick Murphy in recognition of his efforts in fostering the relationship between the two countries. Source: Agence Kampuchea Presse