WASHINGTON D.C.: Prime Minister Hun Sen has said that the United States can provide help to the Indo-Pacific region during the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, as the region has faced many difficulties, particularly related to the economy.

Addressing a meeting and dinner hosted by the President of the United States for ASEAN leaders on the afternoon of 12 May 2022, Prime Minister Hun Sen stated that there are some ongoing issues, especially regarding the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and particularly related to the economy, which has affected many countries in the Indo-Pacific region.

He also highlighted the contributions made by the United States to assist ASEAN member states, especially in capacity building and strengthening the importance of technology and its use. He said that the United States could contribute more to the Indo-Pacific region regarding these difficulties.

In response, US President Joe Biden emphasized the 45-year history of US-ASEAN relations, and said that the ASEAN-US Special Summit this year is unique and points to a new page and era in US-ASEAN relations.

"ASEAN is at the heart of the United States in the Indo-Pacific framework," he said.

He added that the United States is pleased to upgrade the strategic partnership to a comprehensive strategic partnership, the highest level of partnership within the ASEAN framework, between the United States and ASEAN.

Prime Minister Hun Sen also underlined that Cambodia, having assumed the 2022 ASEAN Chairmanship, has chosen the theme of “A.C.T.: Addressing Challenges Together” to work on resolving all challenges based on the spirit of togetherness, to maintain peace and stability, as well as to promote development, sustainability, prosperity and inclusion.

He also invited President Joe Biden to attend the 10th ASEAN-US Summit in person when it is held in November 2022, in Cambodia.