PHNOM PENH: The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Deputy Prime Minister Prak Sokhonn, celebrated the 26th Anniversary of the Asia-Europe Meeting on 1 March 2022, and addressed ASEM partners through a video speech.
ASEM is now the largest cooperation framework second to the United Nations, representing 60% of the global population, 55% of global trade, 65% of the global economy, and 75% of global tourism.
Last year, Cambodia had the honor of hosting the 13th ASEM Summit under the theme of “Strengthening Multilateralism for Shared Growth.” Deputy Prime Minister Prak Sokhonn said he was pleased to see ASEM leaders reaffirm their commitments to revitalize multilateralism towards a more resilient, sustainable, inclusive, and dynamic future of Asia-Europe cooperation.
He added that ASEM leaders also tackled global and regional challenges such as global actions against Covid-19 and climate change, enhancing public health and safety, focusing on youth employment and women’s empowerment, and resolving to tackle World Trade Organization (WTO) reforms among others.
The Deputy Prime Minister described how at the last ASEM meeting, three important documents were produced: 1. the ASEM13 Chair’s Statement; 2. the Phnom Penh Statement on Post-Covid-19 Socio-Economic Recovery; and 3. the Way Forward on ASEM Connectivity. These documents solidified ASEM solidarity to maintain and promote peace, stability, and prosperity in Asia and Europe for a more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient future for current and future generations.
He said it is important for ASEM to persevere in the difficult times ahead, and must prioritize commitment in each other’s partnership to build a cohesive, competitive, resilient, and sustainable community for Asia and Europe. He stressed this common goal to ensure multilateralism will create stability and prosperity for all, and will hopefully address the emerging regional and global issues under the 2030 UN Sustainable Development Goal.
The Deputy Prime Minister concluded that Cambodia looks forward to working closely with all ASEM Partners and relevant stakeholders to foster ASEM cooperation and friendly relations to a new height, addressing common concerns, and most importantly, implementing the ASEM13 measures.
