PHNOM PENH: Cambodian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Deputy Prime Minister Prak Sokhonn, had a video call with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway, Anniken Huitfeldt, on Monday, where the two Ministers exchanged views on how to further strengthen Cambodia-Norway bilateral ties and ASEAN-Norway partnership.
According to a press release issued by the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during the call, DPM Prak Sokhonn thanked the Norwegian Foreign Minister for committing to support Cambodia’s 2022 ASEAN Chairmanship and further briefed his counterpart on Cambodia’s priorities in further advancing ASEAN Community building in the face of today’s challenges.
The press release states that both sides expressed common views on the values of peace and security in external engagement and shared strong aspiration in promoting ASEAN-Norway partnership in all feasible areas.
DPM Prak Sokhonn also assured the Norwegian Foreign Minister that an invitation to the 55th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting to be held in the third quarter of the year would be forthcoming, and welcomed Foreign Minister Huitfeldt’s interest in having the regular ASEAN-Norway Trilateral Meeting.
Regarding the situation in Myanmar, the two Foreign Ministers emphasized the urgent need to de-escalate the complex crisis, especially through the expedition of the implementation of the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus. DPM Prak Sokhonn also briefed Foreign Minister Huitfeldt on Cambodia’s efforts in Myanmar, as ASEAN Chair, including Prime Minister Hun Sen’s recent state visit to the country. He further relayed his thanks to Norway for arranging his briefing on this regard at the United Nations Security Council on 28 January 2022.
DPM Prak Sokhonn additionally thanked Foreign Minister Huitfeldt for her support in his role as the ASEAN Chair’s Special Envoy on Myanmar, as well as his plan to seek effective ways and means for safe and timely delivery of humanitarian relief to the people of Myanmar in urgent need of help without discrimination.
Regarding bilateral relations, DPM Prak Sokhonn reiterated Cambodia’s gratitude to Norway for being a long-time supporter of Cambodia’s mine-free goal and a major donor for the Khmer Rouge tribunal. Both sides also expressed optimism that the consultation between the two foreign ministries to take place in early March in Oslo this year will achieve fruitful outcomes in identifying potential fields of cooperation for mutual benefits, including in trade, investment and private sector partnership.
