HANOI, Viet Nam — Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet attended the official opening ceremony of the 3rd ASEAN Future Forum on Tuesday morning (June 9), delivering a powerful keynote address centered on economic integration, regional peace, and people-centric growth.
The Prime Minister and a high-level delegation from the Royal Government of Cambodia arrived in the Vietnamese capital on June 8, 2026, for a dual-purpose itinerary encompassing an official state visit to Viet Nam and participation in the prestigious regional summit.
Shaping a Peace-Driven, People-Centered ASEAN Future
Speaking during the opening session of the forum—held under the overarching theme “Shape Our Future Together: Peace, Prosperity, People-Centered”—Prime Minister Hun Manet emphasized the critical need for robust collaboration among member states to navigate shifting global dynamics.
His keynote speech laid out a clear vision for the bloc’s future, heavily focusing on accelerating trade, boosting cross-border investments, and deepening economic cooperation across Southeast Asia.
Key Pillars Addressed by Prime Minister Hun Manet:
- Economic Integration: Strengthening supply chain resilience and eliminating non-tariff barriers to unlock intra-ASEAN trade potential.
- People-Centered Prosperity: Ensuring that economic advancements directly translate into measurable improvements in quality of life, education, and digital access for citizens across the region.
- Regional Peace & Security: Reinforcing ASEAN centrality as a foundational prerequisite for sustainable financial growth and geopolitical stability.
Strategic Diplomatic Momentum: Cambodia-Laos Bilateral Talks
Demonstrating the active nature of Cambodian diplomacy, Prime Minister Hun Manet held an informal bilateral discussion with Sonexay Siphandone, Prime Minister of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, immediately prior to Tuesday morning’s opening ceremony.
While informal, the meeting allowed the two neighboring leaders to touch upon shared interests, border security, and mutual support within the ASEAN framework, further reinforcing the solid ties between Phnom Penh and Vientiane.
Deepening Ties with Viet Nam
The Prime Minister’s presence in Hanoi marks another significant chapter in Cambodia-Viet Nam relations. Alongside the multilateral engagements at the ASEAN Future Forum, the official visit provides an arena for Cambodian delegates to engage in high-level talks with Vietnamese counterparts, aiming to expand bilateral trade, tourism, and mutual security arrangements in the post-pandemic era.
