US resumes $18m aid  to Cambodia that was suspended for undermining democracy

The United States has resumed its foreign aid programmes of $18 million to Cambodia two months after suspension over allegation of ‘democratic repression’ during the latest elections.

A day after national elections in Cambodia in July, the US Department of State announced to pause $18 million in aid earmarked for the government of Cambodia. The US had also announced to impose visa bans on individuals who undermined democracy after the ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) declared a landslide victory in elections.

Cambodia's Hun Sen, one of the world's longest-ruling leaders, transferred power to his eldest son Hun Manet after the elections held in July. Cambodia’s national assembly officially elected Hun Manet as the country’s new prime minister.

Recently, Cambodia’s new Prime Minister Hun Manet held meeting with US acting deputy secretary of state Victoria Nuland on the sidelines of the 78th UN General Assembly in New York. The announcement on resumption of $18 million aid programmes was made during that meeting.

US Ambassador to Cambodia W. Patrick Murphy also meet Hun Manet on Wednesday, according to news outlets.

During the meeting, the US envoy told Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, “The decision to resume several US foreign aid programmes is part of broader assistance critical to the health of the Cambodian people and the Kingdom’s sustainable development.”

Ambassador Murphy highlighted the longstanding US commitment to supporting the Cambodian people and contributing to the country’s development – as reflected by $3 billion in foreign assistance provided over the past 30 years.