Phnom Penh (FN), Oct. 27 – Cambodia supported the elevation of ASEAN-Australia relations to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen addressed at the 1st ASEAN-Australia summit held Wednesday via video conference.

“Cambodia highly appreciates the Australian for ASEAN Future Initiative to address challenges in the three pillars of ASEAN”, the premier said

“Concerning the COVID19 crisis, Cambodia highly appreciates Australia's active contribution to the multilateral campaign to combat COVID19, as well as revitalize and boost regional economic growth, especially by launching the Partnerships for Recovery Strategy and identifying ASEAN as a key partner.”

The premier underlined that in the context of living with COVID19, building a dynamic, prosperous and inclusive ASEAN community is very crucial. In this regard, Cambodia would like to encourage Australia to continue to support ASEAN's efforts to promote regional integration, such as the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025 (MPAC 2025) and the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) Work Plan IV.

Cambodia would also like to request both parties to successfully implement the ASEAN Australia Plan of Action 2020-2024 and continue to address common challenges such as public health, the revitalizing and boosting of economic growth, and climate change, the premier added.

“In addition, Cambodia encourages Australia to continue to assist in strengthening priority sectors such as digital technology and e-commerce, small and medium enterprises, and education and human resource development, especially technical and vocational trainings for women and returning migrant workers, so that they can find new jobs and enjoy better lives.”
=FRESH NEWS