PHNOM PENH: Prime Minister Hun Sen, who is the Chair of the 13th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Summit, shared that he is optimistic about the outcomes of the summit’s First Plenary Session held virtually on Thursday.

The Prime Minister remarked that he believes the session’s outcome will act as a valuable contribution to the promotion of multilateralism, which is the foundation of global peace, stability and prosperity. He expressed appreciation for the ASEM process and indicated Cambodia’s commitment to further enhancing ASEM’s role in the promotion of multilateralism and global governance, as well as in addressing common global challenges.

He highlighted the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has impacted public health services and caused a socioeconomic crisis, and added that solidarity between states, international cooperation and multilateral vaccine provision, are the key to addressing those challenges.

Post-COVID-19 economic recovery is a common priority among ASEM nations, he stressed, hence they have all shown mutual support for strengthening trading systems, safeguarding an unhindered supply chain, promoting the trend of digitalization, and examining options of reopening the tourism sector safely and securely.

The Prime Minister also said that most ASEM members, including Cambodia, are committed to conducting green and low-carbon development to limit the effects of climate change in line with the Paris Agreement. He added that the provision of technical and financial support to developing countries must be a priority, to ensure that all countries have the capacity to counter climate change.