Phnom Penh: On the morning of Saturday, November 23, 2024, Samdech Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate of the Kingdom of Cambodia, held a courtesy call with Dr. Kao Kim Hoon, Secretary-General of ASEAN, at the Senate Palace in Phnom Penh.

During the meeting, Samdech Techo Hun Sen warmly welcomed Dr. Kim Hoon and expressed gratitude for the invitation extended to him to attend the 11th plenary session of the International Parliament for Tolerance and Peace (IPTP), which is being hosted by Cambodia. He conveyed pride in Cambodia’s initiative in preparing the draft Peace Charter for Humanity and the Planet and expressed hope for its unanimous approval at the plenary session. He emphasized the Charter's potential as a vital instrument in building and maintaining peace amid global challenges.

Secretary-General Kao Kim Hoon acknowledged Cambodia’s strong support for ASEAN’s initiatives focused on peace and tolerance, praising the nation's leadership in hosting the IPTP. He commended the visionary approach reflected in the Peace Charter for People and Planet, which proposes five crucial pillars: conflict prevention, peacebuilding and reconciliation, transitional justice, post-conflict reconstruction, and food security and sustainable development, particularly in the context of climate change.

Dr. Kim Hoon highlighted the significance of these pillars as a foundation for promoting shared values of peace and tolerance and advancing resource security and sustainable development—aligning with ASEAN's strategic priorities. He briefed Samdech Techo on ASEAN’s ongoing efforts to enhance peace, including the declaration of key policies such as the Manila Declaration to Counter the Rise of Extremism and Violence, as well as initiatives aimed at fostering inclusion and resilience within member states.

In relaying his appreciation for the support of the Peace Charter, Samdech Techo underlined Cambodia’s commitment to gathering global insights to create a comprehensive roadmap for peace. He noted the rising frequency of natural disasters impacting ASEAN nations, including Cambodia, as an urgent concern.

The President expressed satisfaction that Cambodia’s diplomatic initiatives have garnered widespread support from various countries, as evidenced by the diverse participation in the ongoing IPTP plenary session, which includes representatives from regions such as Africa and Latin America.

Samdech Techo also addressed the current global tensions, which he described as causing significant challenges for developing countries, likening the struggles to "elephants fighting over the grass." He stressed the importance of ASEAN's independent stance, asserting that it should not be marginalized in the international arena. Samdech Techo praised ASEAN's flexible approach to diplomacy, highlighting its role in fostering good relations among nations globally.