PHNOM PENH: Cambodia’s Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ouch Borith, attended a virtual meeting of foreign ministers from over 50 countries to form a global coalition to address the synthetic drug threat on July 7.

In the meeting, chaired by US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, foreign ministers expressed concern about the dangers posed to public health and society by drugs such as fentanyl, tramadol, methamphetamine, captagon, MDMA, and ketamine. The foreign ministers said they were committed to finding a solution forward and pursuing international cooperation in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter, International Law and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Secretary of State Ouch Borith highlighted the importance of implementing and developing innovative solutions to suppress the production and trafficking of illegal synthetic drugs. He spoke about Cambodia's efforts to address the drug problem, including the implementation of laws, policies and action plans. Meanwhile, Cambodia has also launched a comprehensive drug awareness campaign to the general public and target groups.

He added that Cambodia has strengthened measures to control the import, distribution and use of chemicals used in illegal drug production.

He also stressed that Cambodia is ready to work closely with all countries and stakeholders around the world to protect their respective nations and the global community from the harmful effects of synthetic drugs and to ensure the well-being of the people.