In a statement released on 27 May 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation announced that Cambodia fully supports Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and sustainability for regional stability and prosperity.
The announcement comes ahead of the 46th ASEAN Summit, which took place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on 26 May 2025. The summit was attended by Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei HUN Manet, Prime Minister of Cambodia, who reiterated his country’s commitment to deepening regional integration and strengthening cooperation with interested partners.
During the Plenary Session, ASEAN Leaders reviewed progress in building the ASEAN Community and commended several key initiatives, including the High-Level Task Force on ASEAN Community Vision 2045 (HLTF-ACV) and the ASEAN Connectivity Coordinating Committee (ACCC). The Leaders also reaffirmed their support for a free, open, fair, inclusive, and rules-based multilateral trading system.
Samdech Thipadei highlighted the necessity of strengthening regional connectivity across physical, institutional, and people-to-people dimensions. He emphasized that this includes advancing key strategic initiatives such as the ASEAN Power Grid to realize the shared goal for decarbonization and inclusive development.
Cambodia’s Prime Minister also expressed strong support for Timor-Leste’s full membership in ASEAN this year, emphasizing that this will reinforce unity and inclusiveness while bolstering ASEAN’s collective capacity to address ongoing and emerging challenges.
During the Retreat Session, the Leaders discussed the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) and exchanged views on regional developments of mutual interest and concern. The Summit also saw the ASEAN Leaders’ Interface with Representatives of ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), ASEAN Youth, and ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC).
Overall, Cambodia’s commitment to ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and its strategic plans underscores the country’s role in promoting regional stability, prosperity, and inclusivity.
Key Takeaways from the Kuala Lumpur Summit
- Cambodia supports Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025 and emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and sustainability.
- The Leaders reaffirmed support for a free, open, fair, inclusive, and rules-based multilateral trading system.
- Cambodia highlights the necessity of strengthening regional connectivity across physical, institutional, and people-to-people dimensions.
- The country expresses strong support for Timor-Leste’s full membership in ASEAN this year.
Conclusion
The 46th ASEAN Summit demonstrates Cambodia’s commitment to promoting regional stability, prosperity, and inclusivity. The country’s support for Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025 underscores its role in shaping the future of Southeast Asia. As ASEAN looks to navigate an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape, Cambodia’s leadership will be crucial in driving progress toward a resilient, innovative, dynamic, and people-centered future.