Jakarta, Indonesia, May 5 — Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate of Cambodia, held a working meeting with Mr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, a representative of the ASEAN Standing Committee, and the Ambassador of Timor-Leste to ASEAN at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta on May 5, 2025.

Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn warmly welcomed Samdech Techo Hun Sen and the Cambodian delegation, highlighting Cambodia's 26th anniversary of ASEAN membership, which occurred under Hun Sen's leadership as Prime Minister on April 30, 1999. He acknowledged Cambodia's active participation in ASEAN initiatives and its three terms as ASEAN chair (2002, 2012, and 2022), praising the country's significant role in addressing regional challenges both in the past and present.

Kao Kim Hourn also emphasized Cambodia's instrumental support, particularly from Samdech Techo Hun Sen, in facilitating Timor-Leste's path to full ASEAN membership. He noted that Cambodia, during its 2022 chairmanship, played a crucial role in securing Timor-Leste's observer status. He added that Hun Sen is actively working to promote Timor-Leste’s full membership by 2025.

In response, Samdech Techo Hun Sen expressed gratitude to the ASEAN Secretary-General for the warm welcome, mentioning that this was his first visit to the ASEAN Secretariat, despite having chaired ASEAN meetings as Prime Minister on three occasions.

Cambodian Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen then drew a parallel between Cambodia's journey to ASEAN membership 26 years ago and Timor-Leste’s current situation, stating that Timor-Leste is in a much better position than Cambodia was at the time. He expressed hope that Timor-Leste would join ASEAN in 2025, expanding the bloc's economic, trade, and international cooperation.

Samdech Techo Hun Sen also addressed current challenges, particularly the trade war and its link to political obstacles affecting countries worldwide and within the ASEAN region.

President of the Senate urged ASEAN countries to strengthen their collaboration, focus on supply and markets within the region, and leverage existing agreements like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). He expressed optimism that Malaysia, as the incoming ASEAN chair, will contribute to resolving these issues.

Kao Kim Hourn concluded the meeting by expressing his happiness and pride in receiving President of the Senate Hun Sen at the ASEAN Secretariat. He thanked Samdech Techo Hun Sen for sharing insights from his time as Prime Minister and wished the Cambodian delegation success during their visit.