In a statement released on 26 Feb 2025, His Excellency Deputy Prime Minister PRAK Sokhonn, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, returned from the 2°° ASEAN Future Forum in Ha Noi, the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, with a strong message for regional cooperation. The forum, which brought together leaders from Southeast Asian nations, aimed to shape a brighter future for ASEAN by exploring approaches to address regional challenges and build a more robust and resilient ASEAN Community.
During his participation in the Plenary Session II under the theme “Revisiting ASEAN’s Fundamentals: Preparing for Future Challenges”, His Excellency Deputy Prime Minister emphasized the importance of upholding ASEAN’s core principles and the ASEAN way, reiterating that preservation of peace remains paramount. He reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to assisting Myanmar through the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) by consistently upholding ASEAN family’s core principles and unity.
The Deputy Prime Minister also stressed the significance of maintaining ASEAN leadership in shaping the regional agenda, while strengthening ties with both new and long-standing external partners. Furthermore, he highlighted the need to strengthen the Association’s institutions to ensure that ASEAN Centrality remains at the core of engagement.
On the sidelines of the forum, His Excellency Der Minister paid a courtesy call on His Excellency Pham Minh Chink of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, and had bilateral meetings with Bui Thanh Son, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Viet Nam, and Maris Sangiampongsa, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand.
Cambodia and Vietnam reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in all fields, including political cooperation, trade, people-to-people exchanges, and land, maritime, and railway connectivity. Both sides agreed to organize joint commission meetings and initiatives aimed at transforming the border area into a place for peace, stability, cooperation, and development.
In addition, the bilateral meeting with Thailand focused on potential areas of cooperation to strengthen relations, as well as preparation for H.E. Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s official visit to Cambodia in the near future. The two ministers exchanged views on regional and international issues of common interest and concern.
The outcomes of the 2°° ASEAN Future Forum underscore Cambodia’s commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and its role in shaping a brighter future for ASEAN. As ASEAN continues to navigate global transformations, Cambodia’s leadership will be crucial in maintaining peace, stability, and economic growth throughout the region.
Conclusion
The 2°° ASEAN Future Forum marks an important milestone in Cambodia’s efforts to strengthen regional cooperation and promote peace, stability, and economic growth. As ASEAN continues to navigate global transformations, Cambodia’s leadership will be crucial in shaping a brighter future for the region.