PHNOM PENH: Cambodia’s new prime minister departed for his debut on the international stage this morning with a delegation in tow to attend the 43rd ASEAN Summit.

Prime Minister Hun Manet will be the youngest leader among the ten ASEAN member-states and pledged to maintain Cambodia’s core interests while also defending ASEAN’s collective interests. He departed for Indonesia on September 4 on a state-sponsored plane.

The 43rd ASEAN Summit will be held in Jakarta from September 5-7 and held under the theme "ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth.” The summit will focus on promoting the ASEAN Community Vision 2025, which provides a roadmap for strengthening ASEAN influence through institutional efficiency in pursuit of benefits for its people on the international stage.

In addition, the discussions will focus on building an ASEAN community with a long-term vision and people-centeredness as a key force for achieving ASEAN 2045 goals. ASEAN leaders will also discuss ASEAN perspectives on the Indo-Pacific and exchange views on regional and international issues of common concern.

The main agenda of the meeting includes the 5-Point Consensus on Myanmar, which has been languishing for two years with no real commitments made to address the violent rule of Myanmar’s military junta.

During his visit to Jakarta, PM Hun Manet will pay a courtesy call to Indonesian President Joko Widodo. He will also hold bilateral meetings with his ASEAN counterparts and other key world leaders.

Prime Minister Spokesperson Meas Sophorn said that in addition to attending the ASEAN Summit in Jakarta, the Prime Minister will also hold separate bilateral meetings with the leaders of several countries, which will be announced later.