PHNOM PENH: US Ambassador to Cambodia Christopher Anderson formally began his diplomatic mission in Cambodia on Tuesday (Nov 10), by presenting his credentials to King Norodom Sihamoni at the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh.
The ceremony marks the official start of Anderson’s tenure as President Donald Trump’s personal representative to the kingdom, at a time when both countries are seeking to strengthen relations after years of diplomatic tensions.
According to a statement from the US embassy in Phnom Penh, Anderson arrives at a pivotal moment in bilateral relations, with the two countries building renewed momentum based on mutual respect and stronger economic and security cooperation.
“Building on this momentum, ambassador Anderson is fully committed to strengthening bilateral ties, advancing regional peace and security, expanding mutually beneficial trade and investment, and working together to combat transnational crime, including scam networks,” said the embassy.
It noted that Anderson looked forward to working closely with Cambodian partners to turn the renewed momentum into meaningful progress that would deliver lasting benefits for the American and Cambodian people.
The ambassadorial post had been vacant for more than two years following the departure of former US Ambassador W. Patrick Murphy in May 2024, after nearly five years in Cambodia.
During the vacancy, the US Embassy continued operating under the leadership of senior diplomats who served as chargé d’affaires ad interim.
Trump nominated Anderson on June 1, with the US Senate confirming his appointment on August 7, paving the way for his arrival.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Nov 9 described the relationship between Washington and Phnom Penh as entering a new chapter, following Trump’s role in brokering the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords between Cambodia and Thailand in October 2025.
In a statement marking Cambodia’s 73rd Independence Day on Nov 9, Rubio said the two countries had built a relationship based on trust, mutual respect and shared interests over more than 75 years, while noting that Trump’s diplomatic involvement had created new opportunities to advance peace and economic prosperity.
“We look forward to working together to support a strong and independent Cambodia,” he said.
Military cooperation is also expected to gain momentum, with Cambodia and the US agreeing to resume the Angkor Sentinel joint military exercises in February next year.
The exercises were suspended in 2017 amid strained relations. Their planned return has been described as a significant step towards rebuilding defence ties and strengthening cooperation between their armed forces. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
