Cambodia, Speech Example

Most Cambodians consider themselves the descendants of the Angkor Empire that ruled over much of Southeast Asia and reached its peak between the 10^th and the 13^th centuries. Present day Cambodia became part of French Indochina in 1887 and following Japanese occupation in WWII, Cambodia gained independence from France in 1953. Since its independence, Cambodia has been the victim of various internal struggles including massacre by communist elements, 10-years Vietnamese occupation, and 13-years civil war. The first relatively peaceful elections after the defeat of communist elements took place in July 2003 and the latest took place in July 2008. Current Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni succeeded his father to the throne in October 2004. Thus, the current form of government is multiparty democracy under a constitutional monarchy (CIA).

Cambodia established diplomatic relations with the U.S. in 1993 and operates an embassy in Washington D.C. The bilateral relations between the U.S. and Cambodia have especially become strong in the last few years. U.S. provided total assistance of $70 million to Cambodia in 2010 in health, education, governance, and economic growth. U.S. is one of the major exports and imports partner of Cambodia and is also one of the countries whose investors are a major source of foreign direct investment in the country. Major Cambodian exports include garments, shoes, rice, cigarettes, natural rubber, pepper, wood, and fish (U.S. Department of State).

Asian countries are one of the fastest growing economies and Cambodia is no exception. The annual growth rate in 2010 was approximately 5.9% (U.S. Department of State). U.S. has provided assistance to Cambodia during Vietnamese occupation as well as its struggle against the communist elements. The political climate is much more stable and Cambodia’s future economic potential means the diplomatic and economic ties between the two countries will only become stronger over time.

References

CIA. (n.d.). East & Southeast Asia: Cambodia. Retrieved March 19, 2012, from The World Factbook: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/cb.html

U.S. Department of State. (n.d.). Background Note: Cambodia. Retrieved March 19, 2012, from http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2732.htm