Cambodia's new prime minister Hun Manet will make his first appearance at the UN General Assembly next month.

The focus is on whether he will try to improve relations with Europe and the United States, as he strengthens ties with China.

Hun Manet laid out his foreign policy on Tuesday in his first speech as prime minister. He is the son of longtime leader Hun Sen, and became leader himself a week ago.

He stressed a policy of diplomacy in all directions.
He said he will continue friendly relations with all countries in a neutral and independent way, based on national interests.
Ahead of the speech, he held a series of meetings with US Senate officials. He reportedly said he is ready to strengthen ties and expand cooperation with the US.

Europe and the US imposed sanctions when his father was in power over human rights concerns as he clamped down on opposition parties.

Hun Manet has plenty of experience with Western countries. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point, and earned a PhD in economics from the University of Bristol in England. He went on to become commander of the Royal Cambodian Army.