Phnom Penh, July 2, 2024 – On Monday, July 1, 2024, at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta, Indonesia, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, presided over the 7th Meeting of the Judging Committee for the ASEAN Awards.

The committee, which includes former ASEAN Secretaries-General, held an in-depth discussion to meticulously evaluate and screen candidates from all ASEAN countries for the ASEAN Awards, ensuring the selection of winners is based on their excellence and distinct advantages.

In the afternoon, following the conclusion of the 7th Meeting of the Judging Committee for the ASEAN Awards, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn hosted a lunch for the four former ASEAN Secretaries-General who are members of this committee.

As the Chairman of the Judging Committee, the Secretary-General of ASEAN expressed his gratitude to the four former ASEAN Secretaries-General for their unwavering commitment and continued support for ASEAN's work. Their rich experience and expertise in representing regional perspectives have significantly contributed to ASEAN's development.

The ASEAN Secretary-General also met with Takehiro Yasui, Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in ASEAN, to say farewell. During this meeting, both sides discussed the implementation of the ASEAN-Japan Technical Cooperation Agreement, aimed at strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership and development cooperation between ASEAN and Japan.

Sachiko Takeda, the new chair of JICA ASEAN, was introduced during the meeting. Afterward, the ASEAN Secretary-General visited the JICA office located within the ASEAN Secretariat.

Additionally, the Secretary-General met with Damian Murphy, Chief of Staff of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee. They exchanged views on ways to further strengthen the ASEAN-US comprehensive strategic partnership, particularly in political, security, and economic cooperation. They also discussed the draft law aimed at strengthening relations (PARTNER) with the draft ASEAN Act (ASEAN Act), currently being considered by the US Senate.

The ASEAN Secretary-General also met with Professor Jeffrey D. Sachs, a renowned economics professor and global leader in sustainable development. They discussed ways to accelerate development activities in ASEAN and various related issues.

Furthermore, the Secretary-General met with Evgeny Zagaynov, Ambassador of Russia to ASEAN, and Raman Ramanouski, Ambassador of Belarus to Indonesia. They discussed potential multilateral cooperation in Europe and Asia, as well as other pertinent issues.