Angelina Jolie has been awarded Cambodian citizenship for her conservation work in this poverty-stricken country, where she has filmed for "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider".
During her most recent visit to Cambodia, where she has bought a home, Prime Minister Hun Sen had offered her citizenship in recognition of her generosity.
King Norodom Sihamoni has just signed a royal decree approving the citizenship on 31 July, said Sok Sam Oeun, an official of the government Council of Ministers.
Cambodian Vision in Development's director, Mounh Sarath, was thrilled about the news: "I don't know what else to say. This is what we have dreamed for her for a long time." In his opinion, Angelina Jolie deserved citizenship "not because of the money she has given but [for] her good heart and love" for the Cambodian people.
"Mrs. Smith" has given the Cambodian Vision in Development, a community development group, $1.5 million for its environmental protection efforts in remote parts of the country's northwest.
Jolie's adoption of a Cambodian orphan boy, her four-year-old son Maddox has played an important part in the decision, as well.
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