Address delivered by H.E Mr. Roland Eng Mr. President,
Their Majesties Preah Bat Samdech Preah NORODOM SIHANOUK VARMAN, King of Cambodia and Queen Monineath SIHANOUK, have requested me to convey to you and the First Lady their warmest regards and very best wishes. On behalf of Samdech Chea Sim President of the Senate, His Royal Highness Prince Norodom Ranariddh President of the Parliament, and H.E. Hun Sen Prime Minister, allow me to express my heartfelt gratitude to You, to your government and the American people for their constant support and the role you have played to achieve a long and lasting peace for the people of Cambodia. The Cambodian nation is deeply grateful to the United States for having generously sustained so many thousand Cambodian refugees during their time of need when they sought refuge on US soil. The people of Cambodia are now proud to include Cambodian-Americans among them. Those who have been adopted by America will never forget the hospitality and assistance they received in the land of freedom. With the signing of the Paris Peace Accords in October 1991 and the 1998 general election, Cambodia embarked on a historic new beginning after many years of turmoil and unrest. The United States was an active participant in the Paris International Conference and a signatory to the Peace Agreements, for which the Khmer people are indeed indebted. On April 30, 1999 Cambodia became the tenth member, fulfilling Asean's vision to establish an organization for all Southeast Asian countries: with a population totaling five hundred million and a total trade of US$ 720 billion. In the era of globalization, Cambodia is now facing another challenge which we hope, will receive your kind assistance and understanding. The Cambodian people will never forget what the United States has done with generosity during our most difficult time and for all the noble efforts in strengthening and promoting Cambodia's human resources, democracy, and human rights. Granting Cambodia with Normal Trade Relations status and providing us with GSP are a true testimony of your wisdom in assisting Cambodia meet the challenges of building a market economy and a civil society. The Royal Government of Cambodia firmly believes that all nations can prosper through consultation and accommodation, and thereby weave a healthy and productive tapestry of harmonious interchange. Working together, with each country bearing its individual responsibilities and collective regional stability, peace and prosperity are an objective well within our grasp. May I humbly take this opportunity to express on behalf of the Cambodian people and the Royal Government of Cambodia, our most fervent and best wishes for your good health, happiness and for the success of your prestigious task in leading the United States and the world towards the next millennium. I feel a sense of profound satisfaction to serve my country at this time as the relation between the United States and the Kingdom of Cambodia are being enhanced and fostered. Please accept my personal assurances of my dedication in my new task. I herewith respectfully submit to you, Mr. President this Letter of Credence.
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