Jakarta (VNA) – A ceremony marking the 26th anniversary of Cambodia’s membership in ASEAN was held at the headquarters of the ASEAN Secretariat on May 5, with President of the Cambodian People's Party and President of the Cambodian Senate Samdech Techo Hun Sen among participants.
In his remarks, ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn noted that Cambodia’s accession to ASEAN in 1999 marked the end of the country’s isolation and its full integration into the regional and global community. Meanwhile, for ASEAN, Cambodia’s accession fulfilled its founding members’ vision of an encompassing regional bloc, completing the realisation of ASEAN-10.
Since joining the bloc, Cambodia has leveraged its membership for the benefit of its people while making significant contributions to the collective efforts of building a peaceful, prosperous, and resilient ASEAN Community.
On this occasion, he called on member countries to reaffirm the commitment to building a more prosperous, peaceful, and inclusive ASEAN for the future.
In his policy address, Hun Sen, who is currently visiting Indonesia from May 5 to 7, provided information about his country's vision for the future and continuous contributions to the development and transformation of ASEAN.
He held that ASEAN is emerging as a key global player, evolving beyond its traditional role as a regional institution. He called on the bloc to move from a reactive to a proactive role in shaping global governance, aiming to build a more equitable international system.
The Cambodian leader highlighted the shift to a multipolar world, with more countries gaining influence over global affairs. Some major powers are retreating from the global systems they helped establish, which are now being undermined by a retreat from multilateralism and the rule of law. In this context, ASEAN has a vital role to play in shaping a world order grounded in legal frameworks and a stronger foundation of democracy and justice.
He suggested ASEAN strengthen its internal strength and consolidate ASEAN-led multilateral mechanisms.
Hun Sen also thanked the ones who founded ASEAN and former ASEAN leaders for their contribution of intelligence and efforts to build a people-centred regional architecture./.
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The co-chairs highlighted the strong and durable partnership with ASEAN over the past 48 years. They discussed pressing geopolitical issues, including the importance of facilitating a free and open Indo-Pacific. O’Neill further expressed the need to uphold freedom of navigation and overflight in the East Sea.
