PHNOM PENH: Prime Minister Hun Sen, the Chairman of ASEAN 2022, has reminded all countries in the ASEAN region to consider the well-being of the people and focus on maintaining stability and peace in the region, avoiding the fire of war.

Speaking at the Opening Ceremony of the 2022 ASEAN Leadership and Partnership Forum held under the theme "Partnerships for a Cohesive and Responsive ASEAN" on Monday morning, 12 September, Prime Minister Hun Sen stated that socioeconomic development cannot be achieved without full stability and peace. In this sense, ASEAN must avoid war because there are no winners or losers in war, only the destruction and loss of life.

"Cambodia, as a country that has gone through a bitter history of war, would like to reiterate that the peaceful resolution of conflicts with mutual understanding and the welfare of the people is the top priority," he added. "It is a win-win policy that leads to real peace and prosperity."

Prime Minister Hun Sen, as the founder of peace for Cambodia, urged ASEAN countries to act as role models and work together to ensure peace and stability in the region, as current geopolitical competition continues to intensify.

The ASEAN Chair also urged ASEAN member countries to adhere to neutrality and act as a common forum for dialogue and cooperation with the strengthening of regional openness, transparency and the rule of law.

The Prime Minister’s remarks highlighted the impact the Russia-Ukraine war has had, leading to an increasingly fragmented economy and world relations and geopolitical competition in certain strategic areas, including in Asia. These issues will continue to pose problems and risks to regional and global stability and prosperity.

^{PHOTO: KOK KY}