In a statement released on 29 Sep 2024, H.E. Sok Chenda Sophea, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Kingdom of Cambodia, delivered a powerful address at the General Debate of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, emphasizing the urgent need for collective action to confront global challenges.
Cambodia's delegation congratulated the newly elected President of the 79th UN General Assembly, His Excellency Philémon Yang, on his leadership and pledged full support for his efforts. The Minister also expressed sincere gratitude to His Excellency Dennis Francis for his exceptional stewardship during the 78th UNGA.
H.E. Sok Chenda Sophea highlighted the prevailing aspirations of the international community despite intractable security threats and challenges, as well as uncertainty and evolving geopolitical landscapes. He emphasized that Cambodia cannot emphasize enough the urgency for all of us to act together to confront these daunting challenges.
The Minister stressed that sustainable peace can be achieved only through meaningful dialogue based on mutual respect, genuine goodwill, tolerance, and a commitment to peaceful coexistence. Cambodia supports the actions laid out in the Pact for the Future for promoting international peace and security.
Cambodia commended all efforts to de-escalate the fighting in Russia-Ukraine conflict through diplomacy and dialogue based on equal respect. The Minister also condemned all acts of terrorism and called for a dialogue to stop the ongoing war and the ever-worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The Minister expressed deep concern over the prospect of an all-out region-wide war in the Middle East, with intensifying fighting in Lebanon. Cambodia stresses the importance of fostering an environment conducive to dialogue and ceasefire negotiations.
On the crisis in Myanmar, Cambodia, along with other ASEAN Member States, is committed to ASEAN's Five-Point Consensus as the basis for a peaceful and inclusive solution. The Minister emphasized the need for humanitarian relief and a Myanmar-owned and Myanmar-led political process aimed at lasting peace and reconciliation.
H.E. Sok Chenda Sophea also touched on the "Leaving No One Behind" theme, given Cambodia's own dark past, believing that peace is the key prerequisite for development, especially sustainable and inclusive development.
The Minister highlighted Cambodia's long-term development strategy, called the Pentagonal Strategy, which aims to build Cambodia into a vibrant and just society that thrives on lasting peace, political stability, good governance, and respect for the rule of law. With economic growth projected to reach 6 percent in 2024, Cambodia is on track to reduce poverty to below 10 percent by 2028.
To enhance efficiency, inclusion, and access to public services, Cambodia will accelerate the development of e-government, digital economy, and society. The Minister also commended the success of the Summit of the Future and reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to the Pact for the Future — to international peace and security, turbocharging SDGs, modernizing multilateral institutions.
Cambodia is proud to play a significant role in global peacekeeping, having sent over 9,000 of its people to serve in 11 UN missions. The Minister sought the support of the assembly for Cambodia's candidacy for membership in the Organizational Committee of the Peacebuilding Commission for 2025-26.
Finally, H.E. Sok Chenda Sophea concluded by reaffirming Cambodia's steadfast commitment to working hand-in-hand with the UN and all Member States to advance the noble goals of peace, sustainable development, and human dignity.