In a diplomatic stride towards fostering regional cooperation, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and ASEAN SOM Leader of Cambodia, H.E. KUNG Phoak, participated in the ASEAN Plus Three Preparatory Senior Officials’ Meeting (APT Prep-SOM) held in Luang Prabang, Lao PDR, on August 22, 2024.
This significant gathering saw delegates from the member countries discuss various aspects of collaboration and coordination within the framework of ASEAN Plus Three, which includes the ten ASEAN member states along with China, Japan, and South Korea. The APT Prep-SOM serves as an essential forerunner to the customary ASEAN Plus Three Ministers’ Meetings and ultimately the leaders’ summit, providing a platform for Senior Officials to set the agenda and negotiate outcomes that will steer the region towards shared objectives.
H.E. KUNG Phoak, representing Cambodia, engaged with fellow officials on a multitude of topics, aiming to align strategic interests and reinforce the collaborative ties among the ASEAN member states and their three Northeast Asian partners. The discussions were particularly focused on enhancing economic growth, cultural exchanges, environmental protection, and strengthening political-security dialogs.
The meeting underscored the collective efforts of the ASEAN community and its partners to address cross-border challenges, including trade, investment, and infrastructural development. The ongoing global economic fluctuations and the socio-political landscape require nations within the ASEAN Plus Three forum to work closely to achieve sustainable growth and mutually beneficial results.
Furthermore, the meeting provided a venue for policy makers to deliberate on approaches to synchronize regional responses to global health crises, climate change, and disaster management. By sharing best practices and pooling resources, the members aim to build greater resilience against unforeseen global events.
As one of the key agenda items, the promotion of socio-cultural understanding and exchange was tabled to reinforce the soft power of East Asia and Southeast Asia, creating a stronger socio-cultural footprint and establishing a sense of unity within the diverse continent.
All the deliberations held at the APT Prep-SOM in Luang Prabang are in anticipation of constructing a more integrated and forward-looking ASEAN Plus Three cooperation. The outcomes are set to pave the way for the forthcoming official ministerial meetings and the apex summit, establishing a proactive regional stance on diverse international concerns.
The contribution of H.E. KUNG Phoak at this pivotal preparatory meeting depicts Cambodia’s active role and commitment to contributing constructively to the regional dialogue and to pursuing comprehensive regional development in accordance with shared goals of peace and prosperity in East Asia and Southeast Asia.
Source: MFAIC
