PHNOM PENH: Prime Minister Hun Sen and First Lady Bun Rany returned from Indonesia on May 11, 2023, following a two-day ASEAN summit. The 42nd ASEAN Summit and related meetings were held on May 10-11, in Labuan Bajo under the theme “ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth.” Leaders from ten member countries convened to discuss issues relevant to the region from development to peacekeeping to security.

At the ASEAN Summit, the Prime Minister stressed that ASEAN must respond to challenges in both the region and the world in a timely, effective and proactive manner, especially when a consensus could not be reached without affecting ASEAN’s community-building process and regional integration.

He said that in the context of geopolitical and political competition, ASEAN must enhance its global relevance so that it can play a central role in addressing global issues. The PM continued by saying that Cambodia should welcome ASEAN partners' initiatives as long as they are in line with the ASEAN Charter and the principles of the ASEAN Indo-Pacific Vision (AOIP) in order to contribute to peace, stability and prosperity in Cambodia.

Regarding the escalating violence in Myanmar, the PM said it was important to ensure the full and effective implementation of the ‘five-point consensus’, including the revision and decision of the ASEAN leadership adopted in 2022.

"ASEAN should adhere to patience, flexibility and innovation and find ways that can potentially help Myanmar restore peace and return to normalcy," he said.