ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn (Photo: khmertimeskh.com) Phnom Penh (VNA) - Cambodia has made significantcontributions to maintaining peace, stability and economic prosperity in theAssociation of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), ASEAN Secretary-General Kao KimHourn has said.
In a congratulatory message to Cambodian Prime Minister HunManet on the occasion of the 25h anniversary of the country's accession to the grouping, the ASEAN chief said thatdespite the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, Cambodia hassucceeded in maintaining a high economic growth of more than 5% in the last twoconsecutive years while recording important achievements in social, educationaland cultural development.
He said for ASEAN, the admission of Cambodia expanded thegeographical coverage of the regional organisation to almost all countries inSoutheast Asia.
Cambodia has made major contributions to the ASEANCommunity-building efforts and its leadership role has been particularly feltduring its ASEAN chairmanship years in 2002, 2012 and most recently 2022, henoted.
Kao said Cambodia has championed ASEAN’s key initiatives such aspost-conflict peace building and reconciliation, the implementation of theASEAN Community Vision 2025, the development of the ASEAN Community Vision2045, and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), among others.
Together with other ASEAN member states, Cambodia continuesto promote cooperation between ASEAN and its external partners, enhancingASEAN’s role and position in ASEAN-led mechanisms, he said, noting theASEAN Secretariat’s readiness to render the fullest support to Cambodia and the bloc in achieving the common goal of a peaceful, stable and prosperous ASEAN Community./.
