Welcome to my first blog! Today I presented my credentials to His Majesty, the King of Cambodia. Although I arrived in Cambodia more than six weeks ago, it was not until King Sihamoni accepted my Letter of Credential from President Obama that I officially became the U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Cambodia. The King’s acceptance of my credentials officially starts my time as U.S. Ambassador, and to mark this occasion, the Royal Palace held a credentialing ceremony in my honor. It was a beautiful ceremony and I enjoyed it immensely. The King and I had the opportunity to talk about U.S.-Cambodian relations. I found His Majesty not only a gracious host, but also very well informed on our relations. He is a man who understands how we can enhance and expand this relationship.
In the spirit of recognizing how technological progress will bring the U.S. and Cambodia together, I decided to deviate a little from the typical gift a U.S. Ambassador would give on such an occasion. So instead of giving him a book on American society, I presented His Majesty with the modern equivalent – a Kindle Fire – one of the many high-tech products that are transforming the way Americans read.
This afternoon when I walked through the halls on the way to meet the King, I couldn’t help but think about my personal journey as a diplomat, and what led me here. I had an opportunity to reflect on why I am fortunate to be the U.S. Ambassador to Cambodia.
During my short time in Cambodia, I have met many Cambodians at informal and unofficial meetings. These meetings have confirmed everything I have learned during my time studying the Cambodian culture and Khmer language. Cambodia is a country blessed with a rich culture. Cambodians are an open and welcoming people that have made my family and I feel right at home.
As the U.S. Ambassador to Cambodia, my number one goal is to foster a more effective relationship between the U.S. and Cambodian citizens. I hope to do this by creating an environment that encourages everyone in the community to participate. I have prepared a great deal for my tenure as the U.S. Ambassador to Cambodia, studying Khmer and learning about Cambodian history and traditions, but there is always much more to learn. And, even as there is much more to learn, there is even more that we can accomplish as a team that engages the entire community in dialogues and discussions. It is only through effective partnering with everyone – Cambodians, NGOs, and civil society organizations – that we will be able to progress forward in achieving this goal.
While the credentialing ceremony was a very formal process and one I enjoyed, I must admit that I am an Ambassador who also likes to take a modern approach to diplomacy through technology. We grow closer as nations when our people are able to exchange ideas. I promise that I will do this with you in a number of ways. I will ask you to write me (emails or letters), I will take your questions in weekly “Ask the U.S. Ambassador” columns, and I will visit you in your homes and offices. Tell me what you think and I will listen. I value your opinions and as the U.S. Ambassador my priority is not protocol but people.
This is my first blog posting and I will have many more in the future. The U.S. and Cambodia share a long history and our relations (diplomatic, economic, and cultural) continue to grow. I consider it my primary goal to ensure that we continue this positive trend. I want Cambodia to know that the U.S. Ambassador is interested in the opinions and ideas of the entire community – Cambodians, NGOs and civil society organizations. Please do not be shy. I am interested in what you think. It is an honor to serve as U.S. Ambassador and today’s credentialing ceremony confirmed this. My family and I are truly happy to be here in Cambodia and I will make every effort to not just learn more about Cambodia, but to meet with, listen to, and learn from the people in Cambodia.
Let’s talk more soon.
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Very nice blog post! Serving our country as an ambassador is such an important role, yet whenever I travel, I feel like I am also an “ambassador” of our country. My wife and I loved visiting Cambodia and have never experienced such beautiful and generous people. The Khmer people have some of the biggest smiles! So what was the King’s reaction to the Kindle?
Welcome to my sad country!
As Cambodian youth, what can i do in order to strengthen Cambodia and U.S. relationship?
Being a Khmer citizen, I’d to say thank and welcome Mr. Todd.
Long live! Cambodia and America.
Dear Mr Ambassador
AS i read your article, i really glad that you are really open hearth to created this blog for the ordinary Cambodia citizens to have a chance get close to u.
I hope U.S more open for us to have chance to lives and study in your country.
Yours sincerely,
Welcome on board Ambassador Todd
Regards,
Lindo
Hello Todd. My name Rady. i’m a collect student at Battambang city. i’m really happy that you want to know about Cambodian people. You know i really want to ask some one, how to become an US.Army, but until now, doesn’t have anyone can help me. So could you help me ? how to get the best information? I hope you please apologize for my word. thank you so much. i love your blog.
I love your modern approach to diplomacy through high-tech.
Good afternoon Sir,
I’m glad to see your blog, It’s a great start to be more interactive with US. Being interactive mean speak and listen. Most importantly to get Cambodian voice heard especially for Khmer youth.
Regards
Sophorth Real,
Dear Mr Ambassador,
Welcome to Cambodia. Very honor to have you and your family to be here. Certainly if we talk about U.S everyone know but if we talk about Laos our neighbour not everyone know! Therefore U.S embassy is the most busy embassy.
Talk to you soon.
Thank you
Lakhena
Welcome to Cambodia
Welcome to Cambodia, Mr. Ambassador. I wish you the best, sir.
Dear Ambassador William E. Todd
Welcome to Cambodia. i’m happy to ask you and i’m happy to read your reply . How can i go to travel in USA ? i’m ever see view of USA by the Internet. So i’m hope one day i’m can go to travel in USA. in my idea USA is the paradise place that every people want to go
Best regard
HENG VENG
Dear Yours Excellency,
I would like to express my profound excitement on your arrival to fulfill your great mission in our Kingdom of Wonder.
Being a citizen of a nation of the world, I am strongly hopeful to enjoy fruitful relationship between Cambodia and the U.S. under your tenure within current macro economic-politic atmosphere.
Sincerely yours,
Sorachna HONN
Dear Ambassador,
I have noting to say beside a warm welcome to Cambodia.
and I am happy to learn more in the blog..
Mono
Dear Ambassador,
I have nothing to say besides a warm welcome to Cambodia.
Thank you so much for your blog. U encourage our Cambodian youth to learn more from this site..
Mono
We are very happy and welcome to Cambodia. We believe you will make changes in Cambodia.
Dear Sir,
My name is Porkhorn Srey , after I read your blog post , I feel like you are a best and a open mind person even you are a Us ambassador .Thus , I m a Khmer citizen I am so proud that you stay in Cambodia . I hope you will make a closer relationship with Khmer
That is very good for e-communication to know more about Cambodian requirement as well as their further purpose, and even if for both cultures.
Dear Mr. Ambassador,
First and foremost , Congratulation Mr. Ambassador that you have been appointed an US. Ambassador to Cambodia. I was really amazed with your introducing video , you could speak khmer a little bit and i know you will learn khmer faster . US-Cambodia relations are growing better and better and i wish US-Cambodia will deepen their relation.
Humbly Yours
Hello Sir,
First, I like to congrats you and thanks for your hard effort to create this blog to listen to our people opinions; it’s really a good initial approach.
Second, I hope you and your team will help Cambodia grow prosperous like United States, by increase of funds, work with NGO, scholarships, sponsorships for Khmer Student to study in U.S., and speak up for Cambodia.
Finally, I am a recently grads from University of Massachusetts Lowell, with BSBA Management and Marketing, with many working experience in different field, and I am fluently in Khmer and English. I will like an opportunity for an internship or an entry position at the U.S. Embassy in Cambodia.
Here a little about me, I came to U.S. in 2000, AFJROTC, receive high school diploma, Associated Degree in Business Admin, BSBA in Marketing and Management. Work in Sales, Customer Service, Fast Food Restaurant, Arm/Unarm Security, HR Assistant Intern, and U.S. Census. I have volunteer at the Boys and Girls Club, Air Force JROTC part of 10,000 hours community service, Day of Service at MCC, and receive 2 certificate of appreciation from Cambodian Red Cross for fundraising to help relief flood victims last year.
I firmly believe I will be an critical asset to your team, because I firmly believe and want to help Cambodia as well. I had try to apply to Cambodia and contacted the embassy before, but the process is way to difficult for me to pass through. Let me know show you want I can do for America and Cambodia.
Once again, I congrats you and happy to see you take this blog approach to listen to our people frustration and comments. I look forward to hear from one of your staffs, I have resume, cover letter, background check, U.S. Citizen, and background education ready to go at the moment notice by you.
Sincerely
-Xeno Meas
Always a pleasure to see how much effort the US government expends in building the foundations for a great relationship with the countries of the world. I hope you have a wonderful time in Cambodia, good sir!
Mr. Ambassador, what a great idea!
That sound great…:)
Dear Ambassador William,
Warmly welcome to Kingdom of Cambodia. Wishing you all the best luck here.
Sincerely,
Chandara W
First welcome Mr. Ambassador, Your idea look great
Dear Ambassa Todd,
your next trip is should be Battambong province to c the Bamboo railroad, the Bats at Sompao mountain,Ek Phnom temple , esps Prohok factory.
Welcome to Cambodia
Best Wishes always
Ouk Lakhena
I am so happy to see all things here and I am really proud of some students in American corner in kampongcham town, Tika, and other more who are the good students.
thank you so much Mr. Ambassador for your good mind to cambodian students.
Welcome to Cambodia, Mr. Ambassador.
I hope you enjoy Cambodia and beyond.
Thank you for your hard work.