In a statement released on 08 Oct 2024, the Cambodian government highlighted its commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and partnerships within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) framework. The announcement made on 08 Oct 2024 emphasized Cambodia’s role as a proactive player in enhancing connectivity and resilience in the region.
As part of the Lao PDR’s 2024 ASEAN Chairmanship, the 28″ ASEAN Political-Security Community Council Meeting was chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), Saleumxay KOMMASITH. The meeting brought together senior officials from ASEAN member states to discuss progress in implementing the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) and strengthening external relations with countries outside the region.
Cambodia welcomed Hungary’s request to accede to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), with the Deputy Prime Minister looking forward to the signing ceremony on the sidelines of the 44” and 45″ ASEAN Summits. The country also reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ASEAN-U.S. cooperation, with a focus on promoting safe, secure, and trustworthy artificial intelligence.
The Deputy Prime Minister commended the Lao PDR’s efforts in advancing the progress of the Five-Point Consensus (5PC), including through informal Troika meetings. Cambodia also emphasized the importance of addressing transnational crimes, climate change, disaster management, and emergency response.
In another significant development, the 28″ Meeting of the ASEAN Political-Security Community Council commended the progress of implementing the APSC Blueprint 2025. The Deputy Prime Minister stressed the need for strengthening cooperation on these issues, while reaffirming Cambodia’s commitment to addressing women, peace, and security (WPS) Agenda.
The 35″ ASEAN Coordinating Council Meeting took note with satisfaction of the progress made by the High-Level Task Force (HLTF) on ASEAN Community Vision (ACV) Post-2025. The meeting discussed the implementation of the Roadmap for Timor-Leste’s full membership in ASEAN, and Cambodia expressed its commitment to supporting Timor-Leste’s accession process.
The Deputy Prime Minister commended the efforts of HLTF on ACV Post-2025, while emphasizing support for the establishment of a dedicated unit at the ASEAN Secretariat to assist Timor-Leste in fulfilling the remaining criteria outlined in the Roadmap.
Cambodia’s Growing Role in Regional and International Affairs
The statement highlights Cambodia’s proactive approach to regional cooperation and partnerships. The country has been actively engaged in ASEAN meetings, demonstrating its commitment to strengthening ties with neighboring countries and promoting regional stability.
Cambodia’s involvement in international affairs extends beyond the ASEAN framework, with a focus on bilateral relations with key partners such as Hungary, Luxembourg, and the United States. The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized Cambodia’s readiness to work closely with ASEAN member states and the U.S. to strengthen cooperation on issues such as artificial intelligence, climate change, and transnational crimes.
Conclusion
The Cambodian government’s statement on 08 Oct 2024 underscores its commitment to regional cooperation and partnerships within the ASEAN framework. The country’s proactive approach to strengthening ties with neighboring countries and promoting regional stability is likely to have a positive impact on Cambodia’s role in regional and international affairs.
As ASEAN continues to navigate complex global issues, Cambodia’s engagement will be crucial in shaping the region’s response. With its focus on promoting safe, secure, and trustworthy artificial intelligence, addressing transnational crimes, and strengthening cooperation on climate change and disaster management, Cambodia is poised to play a key role in enhancing connectivity and resilience in Southeast Asia.
The establishment of a dedicated unit at the ASEAN Secretariat to assist Timor-Leste in fulfilling its accession criteria is also a significant development. This move demonstrates Cambodia’s commitment to supporting Timor-Leste’s full membership in ASEAN, while promoting regional stability and cooperation.
Overall, the Cambodian government’s statement highlights the country’s growing role in regional and international affairs, with a focus on strengthening ties with neighboring countries and promoting regional stability.