In a significant diplomatic development, Cambodia’s Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet led a high-level delegation to attend the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit in Melbourne, Australia, on March 4-6, 2024. The summit commemorated the 50th anniversary of ASEAN-Australia dialogue relations and marked a significant milestone in the strengthening of bilateral ties between Cambodia and Australia.
The two-day summit saw leaders of ASEAN and Australia review cooperation across three key pillars: politics, economy, and society. They also charted future directions for the region and looked forward to the early completion of the new Plan of Action (2025-2029). The Special Summit adopted two outcome documents: the ASEAN-Australia Leaders’ Vision Statement — Partners for Peace and Prosperity, and the Melbourne Declaration — A Partnership for the Future.
Samdech Thipadei highlighted that being bound by geographical proximity and shared characteristics, ASEAN and Australia are natural partners. Since becoming the first Dialogue Partner of ASEAN, relations have grown from strength to strength, bringing many tangible benefits for peoples and promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the region based on mutual respect, trust, and interests.
The Prime Minister also underscored the importance of effectively implementing multilateral trade agreements such as the Agreement Establishing the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). He welcomed Australia’s focus on promoting economic ties with the region, including the launch of Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040.
During a retreat session, Leaders of ASEAN and Australia discussed many strategic issues of common concern and interest. Samdech Thipadei encouraged greater efforts to promote practical and mutually beneficial cooperation and strengthen multilateralism that is free, open, transparent, inclusive, fair, and rules-based.
Bilateral Meetings with Regional Leaders
On the sidelines of the summit, Samdech Thipadei met with regional leaders, including Romualdez Marcos Jr., President of the Philippines; Jokowi, President of Indonesia; Lee Hsien Loong, Prime Minister of Singapore; Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister of Australia; Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister of New Zealand; and Pham Minh Chinh, Prime Minister of Vietnam.
During these meetings, Samdech Thipadei discussed various bilateral cooperation areas with the regional leaders. He emphasized the importance of increasing bilateral trade in rice and other agricultural products, as well as promoting economic ties through the establishment of direct flights connecting major tourist destinations of the two countries.
Cooperation on Key Issues
Samdech Thipadei also exchanged views with regional leaders on key issues such as transnational crimes, including human trafficking and cybercrimes. The Prime Minister stressed the importance of multilateral cooperation to address these challenges.
Conclusion
The 50th anniversary of ASEAN-Australia dialogue relations marks a significant milestone in the strengthening of bilateral ties between Cambodia and Australia. The Special Summit has set a new direction for regional cooperation, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect, trust, and interests. As Cambodia continues to navigate its role in regional and international affairs, it is essential to build on these efforts to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.