Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn (Photo: mfaic.gov) Phnom Penh (VNA) – Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn recommended ASEAN work towards the creation of “travel corridors” to facilitate business travel in a safe and gradual manner during the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the ministry’s press release on the outcomes of the 53rd ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM 53) and Related Meetings held via video conference on September 9-12, in his speech at the events, Prak Sokhonn underlined that amidst the escalating tensions between major powers and challenges for multilateralism, ASEAN needs to firmly uphold the spirit of the bloc’s unity and neutrality to exercise the ASEAN Way principles.
He said the ASEAN Regional Mine Action Centre (ARMAC) will have a new Executive Director in mid-October, and spoke highly of Vietnam’s initiative to set up the “Friends of ARMAC” group so as to mobilise more support for the centre.
Regarding the 27th ASEAN Coordinating Council (ACC) Meeting, Prak Sokhonn laid stress on the important role of the foreign partners in mobilising support for the ASEAN’s newly established COVID-19 Response Fund, as well as coordination of the regional health organisations.
At the 21st ASEAN Plus Three (APT) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, he underscored the need to set up the APT Reserve of Essential Supplies, and thanked APT for their contribution to the COVID-19 ASEAN Response Fund. He also thanked Japan for supporting the establishment of the ASEAN Centre for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases, and stressed the urgency to get the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement signed later this year.
Meanwhile, at the meeting between ASEAN and China, he recommended China further support ASEAN’s efforts in realising the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, and thanked China for helping the bloc implement the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) Work Plans./.
VNA
