In a statement released on 24 Jul 2024, Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, SOK Chenda Sophea, underscored the importance of Southeast Asia remaining a region free from nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction. This commitment was reaffirmed during a meeting with the Commission of the Southeast Asia Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) and ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Interface with the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) Representatives in Vientiane.
The SEANWFZ Commission Meeting, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Sophea, emphasized the need to fully implement the SEANWFZ Treaty through its Plan of Action (2023-2027). The meeting commended the collective efforts of ASEAN Member States in having the biennial Resolution on the SEANWFZ Treaty adopted at the United Nations General Assembly in 2023. This resolution affirms the importance of the treaty in contributing to international peace and security.
The meeting also reaffirmed support for Timor-Leste’s accession to the SEANWFZ Treaty, with expectations that it will be achieved in the near future. Deputy Prime Minister Sophea highlighted the need to strengthen efforts to work with Nuclear Weapon States (NWS) to enable the signing of the SEANWFZ Treaty Protocol. He welcomed any NWS willing to sign the protocol on a first-come-first-serve basis.
In addition, the meeting focused on ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Interface with AICHR Representatives. The commission’s ongoing efforts to implement its Five-Year Work Plan 2021-2025 were commended, and there was excitement about the development of its subsequent Five-Year Work Plan 2026-2030, which will chart the future direction of regional human rights efforts.
Deputy Prime Minister Sophea encouraged AICHR to work closely with ASEAN Sectoral Bodies and other relevant ASEAN organs on joint projects, activities, and meetings. He also welcomed AICHR’s contributions to the development of the Strategic Plans of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 through its close engagement with the High-Level Task Force on ASEAN Community Vision.
Through this meeting, Cambodia reaffirms its commitment to regional peace, security, and human rights cooperation. The Deputy Prime Minister’s emphasis on strengthening efforts against nuclear weapons and promoting human rights underscores Cambodia’s role as a responsible and proactive member of the international community.
The significance of this meeting lies in its ability to foster regional cooperation and set a clear direction for Southeast Asia’s future development. By reaffirming commitments to non-proliferation and human rights, Cambodia reinforces its position as a leader in regional diplomacy.
Key Takeaways:
- Cambodia reaffirmed its commitment to preserving Southeast Asia as a region free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction.
- The SEANWFZ Commission Meeting emphasized the need for full implementation of the SEANWFZ Treaty through its Plan of Action (2023-2027).
- Support for Timor-Leste’s accession to the SEANWFZ Treaty was reaffirmed, with expectations that it will be achieved in the near future.
- The ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Interface with AICHR Representatives highlighted the importance of regional human rights cooperation and efforts to promote and protect human rights.