Indonesia, May 5 – Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, delivered opening remarks at a policy speech given by Samdech Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate of Cambodia, at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta, Indonesia on May 5, 2025.

Dr. Kao Kim Hourn lauded Hun Sen's leadership, influence, vision, and dedication as having left an indelible mark on Cambodia and the broader region. He noted Samdech Techo Hun Sen's instrumental role in transforming Cambodia from a nation scarred by conflict into a peaceful, stable, and growing country with a promising future.

The Secretary-General highlighted Samdech Techo Hun Sen's decades of leadership, which he said had laid a strong foundation for peace, stability, and security, allowing the nation to progress. He also spoke of Hun Sen’s dedication to fighting for Cambodia's peace, freedom, and liberation, ultimately becoming a central figure in rebuilding the nation from the ashes of war and genocide.

Dr. Kao Kim Hourn further emphasized Cambodia's remarkable progress under Samdech Techo Hun Sen's leadership. He noted extraordinary achievements in areas such as economic development, peace, nation-building, and regional integration. Cambodia's rise to middle-income status and sustained peace were testaments to Hun Sen's resilience and vision. The Secretary-General cited a 58% increase in Cambodia’s Human Development Index between 1990 and 2022, reflecting improvements in quality of life, life expectancy, education, and per capita income.

Beyond Cambodia's borders, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn acknowledged Samdech Techo Hun Sen's role as a champion of regional unity, integration, and cooperation. He praised Hun Sen's pragmatism, experience, and diplomatic knowledge in shaping Cambodia's foreign policy and strategic approach.

The Secretary-General underscored Samdech Techo Hun Sen’s contribution to Cambodia's accession to ASEAN in 1999, ending its isolation and fully integrating it into the regional community. He noted Cambodia's three terms as Chair of ASEAN, during which Hun Sen guided the organization through various challenges and achievements. He cited Cambodia’s key role in the adoption of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) in 2002, the Phnom Penh Agenda for ASEAN Community Building in 2012, and the progress made on the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 during its 2022 chairmanship.

The Secretary-General concluded by highlighting the importance of Samdech Techo Hun Sen's policy speech in providing insights into Cambodia's vision for the future of ASEAN and its ongoing contributions to regional development and transformation. He reaffirmed ASEAN's commitment to building a more prosperous, peaceful, and inclusive community, reflecting on Cambodia’s journey and the leadership of Samdech Techo Hun Sen.

^{Photo by: ASEAN}