THE FIRST TO CONGRATULATE THE NEW PRESIDENT?

UNCLAS PHNOM PENH 000045 SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE FOR EAP/MLS, P, D E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL EAID ETRD SCUL PTER SNAR CB SUBJECT: THE FIRST TO CONGRATULATE THE NEW PRESIDENT? SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED. NOT FOR INTERNET DISSEMINATION. ¶1. (SBU) SUMMARY: King Norodom Sihamoni seized the occasion of the Ambassador's long-awaited presentation of credentials at the Royal Palace to be one of the first foreign leaders to congratulate President-elect Barack Obama on his inauguration day (with January 20 coming 12 hours earlier in Phnom Penh than Washington),and to express his sincere thanks to President Bush and the American people for their assistance to his country. In the short but cordial meeting, the Ambassador expressed her determination to enhance and strengthen our bilateral relationship, particularly in the political, economic and cultural sectors. END SUMMARY. ¶2. (SBU) The Ambassador presented her credentials to King Sihamoni on January 20, almost three months after her November 5, 2008 arrival in Cambodia. The King opened by saying that since 1991 the U.S. and Cambodia have been developing trust and a strong bilateral relationship, and that he hoped the Ambassador would help enhance this relationship during her tenure. He expressed his gratitude to President Bush and to the American people for helping assure peace, security and stability in his country and for their generous contributions to the development of Cambodia and assistance in the education, health and social development sectors. The King also noted USG contributions to the Cambodian military and demining efforts. ¶3. (SBU) The Ambassador assured the King that she would convey his regards to our Presidents, old and new, and that she was looking forward to continuing our friendship and cooperation in the economic, political and cultural spheres. She paid particular attention to the latter, stating that there has been a noticeable cultural renaissance in Cambodia and that the Embassy would be interested in helping to provide a broader stage on which to showcase the country's visual and performing arts. The Ambassador mentioned the upcoming exhibition of Cambodian bronze figures at the Freer/Sackler Galleries in 2010 and suggested that the exhibit may provide an opportunity for the King to travel to the U.S. in order to introduce the art of his country to the American people. The Ambassador further assured the King that she would work to preserve continuity in our bilateral relationship as we transition from one administration to the next, and that she will encourage future high-level USG visits which would serve to deepen and strengthen our bilateral ties. ¶4. (SBU) In response King Sihamoni provided his sincere wishes of success to both the Ambassador and the new President as he takes the oath of office, and reiterated his hopes for health and happiness to outgoing President Bush and to the American people. RODLEY