Cambodia has played a crucial role in advancing ASEAN’s external partnerships, said Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation H.E. Sok Chenda Sophea in his ASEAN Day Message on Aug. 8.

‘The Royal Government has made significant efforts to enhance and expand ties with dialogue and sectoral dialogue partners. We recently concluded our role as country coordinator for ASEAN-Russia Dialogue Relations for three years. We’ve now assumed the role as coordinator for ASEAN-US Dialogue Relations from 2024 to 2027,’ he pointed out.

With this new responsibility, he underlined, Cambodia is committed to bolstering ASEAN’s centrality and regional integration. The Kingdom will collaborate closely with all stakeholders to effectively fulfill this role, contributing to our collective efforts in community-building and regional stability.

H.E. Sok Chenda Sophea added that Cambodia has been a steadfast member of ASEAN since 1999, contributing significantly to regional cooper
ation and integration. The Kingdom has helped nurture its values and guiding principles including independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, non-interference, consensus-based decision making, and peaceful settlement of disputes. These principles promote a region that flourishes with peace and opportunity.

Over the past two and a half decades, he recalled, Cambodia has successfully held the rotating Chair of ASEAN three times in 2002, 2012 and 2022. Cambodia is committed to harnessing the spirit of togetherness.

‘We will uphold and promote ASEAN unity, centrality, and solidarity to address common challenges – and enhance our contribution to regional and global peace, stability, security, and sustainable development,’ the Cambodian diplomat stressed.

Source : Agence Kampuchea Presse