Cambodia highlights need for collective efforts to maintain poverty reduction outcomes in region

Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn (Photo: foreignpolicywatchdog.com)

Phnom Penh (VNA) – Cambodian Deputy Prime Ministerand Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn hasstressed the importance of ensuring sustainable economic recovery and growthfor the region, including through the materialization of the ASEAN TravelCorridor Arrangement Framework and operationalisation of the ASEAN Centre forPublic Health Emergency and Emerging Diseases (ACPHEED).

According to a press release by the Foreign Affairs andInternational Cooperation, the Cambodian official made the statement whileattending the 54th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and RelatedMeetings via videoconference on August 2.

He emphasised the significance of ensuring that ASEAN’sengagement with external partners is supportive of ASEAN centrality and in linewith ASEAN principles, including the ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific (AOIP).

At the meetings, the Cambodian representative said that while ASEAN isgrappling with COVID-19 and its severe impacts, which hit the hardest on peoplewho live in the margin, collective efforts are needed to mitigate theirdifficulties and keep progress in poverty reduction from sliding back.

He also underscored the necessity to differentiate betweenthe exercise of the fundamental rights and freedoms to promote harmony andhuman progress, and the manipulation of these sacred principles to instigatehatred, social discord, instability, and interference in the internal affairsof others.

Human rights must be understood and approached in a holisticmanner without double standards, with due respect to national sovereignty andthe principle of non-interference, he stressed./.

VNA