Today marks a significant milestone in the history of Southeast Asia, as Cambodia commemorates its 57th year as an active member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The celebration of this momentous occasion is a testament to the enduring strength of regional cooperation and solidarity.
In a statement released on August 8, 2024, H.E. Deputy Prime Minister SOK Chenda Sophea, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, highlighted Cambodia's steadfast commitment to ASEAN's centrality and unity. The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that ASEAN has worked diligently over the past five decades to ensure its relevance and effectiveness in promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in Southeast Asia.
At the heart of ASEAN's success lies its emphasis on centricity, which reflects the organization's dedication to maintaining regional balance and avoiding conflict. By fostering substantive dialogue and cooperation with external partners, ASEAN aims to create a vibrant region that is economically thriving, socially just, and culturally interconnected.
Cambodia has been an active contributor to ASEAN's efforts, having held the rotating Chair of the organization three times since its accession in 1999. The country has played a crucial role in advancing ASEAN's external partnerships, including the recent conclusion of its term as country coordinator for ASEAN-Russia Dialogue Relations and its assumption of the role as coordinator for ASEAN-US Dialogue Relations from 2024 to 2027.
The Deputy Prime Minister acknowledged that ASEAN's increasing centrality and relevance have sparked growing interest from non-regional countries in acceding to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC). To navigate this landscape effectively, Cambodia is committed to upholding its core values, enhancing regional cooperation, and forging robust partnerships with external stakeholders.
As Cambodia celebrates 57 years as an ASEAN member, it reaffirms its commitment to the organization's guiding principles, including independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, non-interference, consensus-based decision-making, and peaceful settlement of disputes. These principles have been instrumental in promoting a region that flourishes with peace and opportunity.
In conclusion, Cambodia's dedication to ASEAN unity and centrality is a testament to the enduring strength of regional cooperation and solidarity. As the organization continues to navigate an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape, its spirit of cooperation and resilience will be crucial in addressing challenges and seizing opportunities for peace, stability, and prosperity in Southeast Asia.