In a significant display of regional diplomacy, Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister PRAK Sokhonn participated in the recent ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference (PMC) 10+1 Sessions with dialogue partners, as well as the 26th ASEAN Plus Three Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on July 10, 2025.
The PMC+1 Session with the United States (U.S.) marked a notable moment of bilateral engagement between the two nations. Minister Sokhonn co-chaired the meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, fostering stronger ties and discussing key areas of cooperation, including digital transformation, innovation, e-commerce, human capital development, and the promotion of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Progress in ASEAN-China Relations
The meeting with China also saw significant progress, as both sides reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace, Security, Prosperity, and Sustainable Development. Cambodia praised China’s leadership in clean energy and infrastructure development, emphasizing its potential to enhance regional energy security.
ASEAN-Australia Relations Enhanced
A key highlight of the PMC+1 Session with Australia was the modernization of the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA) through the Second Protocol. Minister Sokhonn emphasized the importance of advancing digital trade, supply chains, and leveraging regional economic partnerships to boost trade, investment, and supply chain resilience.
Bilateral Cooperation Deepens
Minister Sokhonn also engaged in bilateral meetings with senior officials from Australia, Japan, Russia, and China, highlighting the importance of strengthening people-to-people connectivity, promoting tourism, and advancing regional energy security through clean and renewable energy.
Mekong-Japan Cooperation Strengthens
The meeting also saw progress in Mekong-Japan cooperation, as both sides welcomed the implementation of the Mekong-Japan Cooperation Strategy 2024. Minister Sokhonn underscored the strategic value of this framework in addressing shared challenges and advancing inclusive, sustainable development in the region.
ASEAN Plus Three Relations Advance
The meeting with ASEAN Plus Three foreign ministers reaffirmed the importance of regional cooperation in advancing peace, stability, and inclusive development. Minister Sokhonn emphasized the need to align APT priorities with ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future and its Strategic Plans.
Overall, these diplomatic efforts underscore Cambodia’s commitment to strengthening regional partnerships and promoting economic growth, sustainable development, and people-to-people connectivity in Southeast Asia and beyond.