Phnom Penh: Cambodia will host the 13th ASEM (Asia-Europe Meeting) Summit on 25-26 November virtually, given the Covid-19 situation, and emerging variants trigger new waves in many parts of the world, according to a foreign ministry's statement on Tuesday.

The Chairman of the Secretariat for the 13th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM13), Luy David, says that Cambodia has four major benefits hosting the event, which have been announced during a zoom meeting of the Club of Cambodian Journalists on Thursday.

Through ASEM13: Cambodia will be able to show its political diplomacy and promote the country in the international scene; it will strengthen Cambodia’s diplomatic links and bilateral cooperation with Asia-European countries; ASEM leaders will show the world that the host country is actively engaged in addressing challenges which threaten peace and security and having sustainable development to promote tourism and the economy to attract more investors.

Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, Cambodia is committed to making this meeting a success. The Prime Minister has already sent invitations to Asia-Europe leaders, while some partner countries have also sent letters confirming their participation in the summit.

ASEM is an intergovernmental process established in 1996 to foster dialogue and cooperation between Asia and Europe. It is comprised of 53 partners, including 21 Asian countries, 30 European countries, the ASEAN Secretariat, and the European Union. Collectively, ASEM partners represent 65% of the global economy, 60% of the world's population, 55% of world trade and 75% of world tourism.