Phnom Penh: After months of preparation, Cambodia has finally opened the 13th Asia-Europe Meeting on Thursday. The event is being observed as a great opportunity for Cambodia to showcase its competence to handle international gathering. Prime Minister Hun Sen has delivered a message during the opening urging unity among the leaders of the two regions.
The two-day 13th Asia-Europe Meeting Summit is being held under the theme “Strengthening Multilateralism for Shared Growth.” On his opening speech, Prime Minister Hun Sen says the theme is more relevant than ever in the context of striving for socio-economic recovery while living with COVID-19. He emphasizes the need to further reinforce partnership between Asia and Europe, to maintain a strong multilateralism that will bring about a global growth that is not only sustainable but can also be shared.
The Prime Minister recalls the first time Cambodia joined ASEM in 2004.He says Cambodia has always paid great attention to the process of this Summit. He has highlighted how Cambodia has adopted the ASEM Ministerial Statement on COVID-19 since September 2020, and also published a research book in collaboration with the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia to support ASEM-13 and share the vision of the ASEM process.
Following the Cambodia’s Prime Minister, other heads of state from Asia and Europe also delivered their speeches for the international event. European Council President Charles Michel says Europe and Asia multilateral cooperation is very important for global recovery. He says, Europe’s commitment to universal and democratic rights and fundamental freedoms will remain.
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin also delivered a speech at the opening. He says he is confident that the Asia Europe Meeting will give further impetus for the continents integration processes and help to strengthen the practical cooperation from Lisbon to Canberra and Wellington. He has added that members should use ASEMs potential in developing such connectivity areas as transport, construction, modernization of remote areas, digitalization, education and tourism.
The 13th Asia-Europe Meeting is expected promote Cambodia’s rich culture and heritage.
