September 1, 1997

Dear Mr. President,

We are writing on behalf of the Royal Government of the Kingdom of Cambodia to express our very sincere gratitude for your recent decision to confer GSP status on Cambodia.

The commercial ties between Cambodia and the United States have grown stronger during recent years. Last year's establishment of MFN status and the subsequent signature of a trade treaty between our two countries on October 4, 1996 was a great help to Cambodia's struggling economy. The granting of GSP status in 1997 will now further strengthen and improve our commercial and diplomatic ties.

We are glad that the United States has continued to be a good trading partner for Cambodia, notwithstanding our two countries' occasional political differences. As Cambodia remains one of the poorest countries in the world (due, in large measure, to our recent tragic past) it is most helpful to the Cambodian people to have the support and assistance of the United States. Our poorest citizens have benefited greatly from the actions of your administration in fostering these trade and other links between the two countries.

We are particularly appreciative of your courage in standing up for the American-Cambodian relationship despite the fact that it might not be favorable to one's political stance. However, your judgement was conscientiously right and we are personally very grateful to it.

Thank you again for your support for the Cambodian people and their welfares. It is greatly appreciated here in Cambodia.

Please accept, Mr. President, the assurances of our highest consideration.

Yours Sincerely,

    Ung Huot                     Hun Sen 

First Prime Minister       Second Prime Minister