In a statement released on 12 October 2024, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation announced that Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei HUN Manet, Prime Minister of Cambodia, attended several high-level diplomatic meetings in Vientiane, Lao PDR. The meetings included the 14th ASEAN-United Nations Summit, the 12th ASEAN-U.S. Summit, and the 2nd Asia Zero Emission Community Leaders Meeting.
The 14th ASEAN-United Nations Summit highlighted the importance of regional economic integration and fostering inclusive growth through cooperation between ASEAN and the United Nations. Samdech Thipadei emphasized the need for intensifying trade and investment ties between ASEAN and the U.S., as well as strengthening cooperation in areas such as digital economy, green transition, and resilient supply chains.
The 12th ASEAN-U.S. Summit reaffirmed the shared commitment to further enhancing the ASEAN-U.S. Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) and adopted a Leaders’ Statement on Promoting Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence (AI). Samdech Thipadei urged all EAS Participating Countries to emphasize expanding collaboration in emerging industries such as digital economy, green transition, blue economy, and resilient supply chains.
The 2nd Asia Zero Emission Community Leaders Meeting recalled the outcomes of previous meetings and welcomed the launch of the Asia Zero Emission Centre at the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA). Samdech Thipadei emphasized Cambodia’s alignment with AZEC principles, particularly in achieving a triple breakthrough – decarbonisation, economic growth, and energy security.
Samdech Thipadei delivered the ASEAN Common Statement on behalf of ASEAN and followed it up with the national statement. He emphasized the critical role of trade and investment in deepening ASEAN-U.S. ties and encouraged stronger cooperation from the U.S. through various mechanisms such as the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025 and ASEAN Digital Master Plan 2025.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of ASEAN-UN cooperation in promoting sustainable energy, addressing climate change, and enhancing peace and security. Samdech Thipadei expressed his satisfaction with Cambodia’s remarkable success in overcoming the devastation caused by mines and explosive remnants of war (ERWs) and emphasized the need for greater efforts to explore complementarities between the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and the UN SDGs.
Overall, the meetings demonstrate Cambodia’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, promoting regional cooperation, and addressing global challenges such as climate change and sustainable development. As a key player in regional affairs, Cambodia is expected to continue playing an active role in shaping the future of the Indo-Pacific region.
Key Takeaways from the Meetings
Strengthening trade and investment ties between ASEAN and the U.S.
Enhancing cooperation in emerging industries such as digital economy, green transition, blue economy, and resilient supply chains
Promoting sustainable energy and addressing climate change through ASEAN-UN cooperation
Fostering peace and security through dialogue and diplomacy
Exploring complementarities between the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and the UN SDGs
By strengthening its engagement with regional and international partners, Cambodia aims to promote economic growth, enhance regional stability, and contribute to global efforts in addressing pressing challenges such as climate change and sustainable development.