In a significant diplomatic encounter, His Excellency KUNG Phoak, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and leader of the Cambodian ASEAN Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM), engaged in talks with His Excellency Daniel J. Kritenbrink, the United States Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs. This meeting, which took place on the 8th of June, 2024, occurred in the margins of the ASEAN SOM and Related Meetings in Vientiane.
During this high-level discussion, the representatives of Cambodia and the United States explored avenues for cooperation within the framework of the ASEAN-U.S. Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. With Cambodia set to take on the significant role of Country Coordinator for ASEAN-U.S. Dialogue Relations from 2024 to 2027, the meeting was timely, as it provided an opportunity to set the agenda for the forthcoming partnership period.
Both parties engaged in a candid exchange of perspectives concerning various regional and international matters that were of mutual interest and presented important implications for both nations. The list of discussed topics extended to cover multiple spheres of concern, reflecting the multifaceted nature of the challenges and opportunities present in the current geopolitical landscape.
As Country Coordinator, Cambodia’s pivotal responsibility will be facilitating and promoting dialogues and engagements between ASEAN and U.S. entities. This arrangement underlines the increasingly significant role Cambodia plays in fostering diplomatic relations and ensuring continuous progress in cooperation initiatives that are pertinent to both ASEAN members and the United States.
The meeting exemplified the commitment of both Cambodia and the United States to bolster their strategic partnership. It clearly highlighted a shared dedication to the pursuit of stability, peace, and prosperity in the wider East Asian and Pacific regions through open and constructive dialogue.
The discussion inevitably underscored the common ground that both countries hold in their approach to international relations, as well as their alignment on several key strategies. By focusing on cooperation, Cambodia and the United States continue to work collaboratively to address regional and global challenges effectively, recognizing that solidarity and shared strategies are essential in navigating the complexities of international diplomacy and regional dynamics.
Source: MFAIC
