Songkran Festival - Thai New Year
RemarksHillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of StateWashington, DCApril 11, 2011On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I send best wishes to the people of Thailand as you celebrate the Songkran Festival and the Thai New Year in the coming days.
During my visit to Thailand two years ago, I was impressed with the optimism of the Thai people and the opportunities for our two countries to grow even stronger. Thailand is one of our most enduring and strongest allies. We recently marked the 50th anniversary of His Majesty the King's historic visit to the United States. The spirit of cooperation and respect started all those years ago continues today as Thais and Americans work side by side on peacekeeping operations and groundbreaking medical research. Our citizens -- many of whom have visited Thailand as workers, tourists, or students -- have benefited in countless ways from Thailand’s rich culture and traditions.
As you celebrate your New Year, know that the United States is committed to Thailand’s future. We look forward to continuing to work together to strengthen and deepen this important friendship and alliance.
Lao New Year
Press StatementHillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of StateWashington, DCApril 11, 2011On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I am delighted to send congratulations to the people of Laos as you celebrate the New Year in the coming days.
Our two countries are cooperating on a range of issues. We are working together to provide new commercial opportunities for Laos, fight drug addiction and illegal drug trafficking, expand our military-to-military cooperation and turn the tide on pandemic diseases. In the United States, Laotian Americans have positively contributed in ways large and small, from art and film to sports and literature. This year, as we mark 56 years of diplomatic relations, we remain committed to finding new ways to expand opportunities for more people in both of our countries.
I wish all Lao people joy and prosperity in the coming year. Sook dii pii mai, happy new year!
Khmer New Year
Press StatementHillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of StateWashington, DCApril 11, 2011On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of the Kingdom of Cambodia as you celebrate the Khmer New Year in the coming days. The Khmer New Year is an opportunity to gather with family, friends and neighbors to honor Cambodia's rich traditions and culture.
During my visit to Cambodia last year, I was encouraged by the optimism of the next generation of leaders, the opportunities for our two countries to deepen and grow our relationship, and the enduring spirit of all Cambodian people. Our two countries are already cooperating on a range of issues – from curbing public health concerns to expanding international peacekeeping efforts – and we remain committed to finding new ways to strengthening our partnership to benefit the people of both of our countries.
As you celebrate the new year, know that the United States is committed to the people of Cambodia and we extend our warmest wishes for a peaceful, prosperous, and happy New Year.
