Phnom Penh (FN), Oct. 27 – At the 24th ASEAN-Japan Summit held via videoconference, Cambodian premier Hun Sen expressed deep appreciation for the outstanding progress of ASEAN-Japan strategic partnership over the past 48 years.

The premier shared views on strengthening ASEAN-Japan cooperation and its future direction as follows:

First. Japan's unwavering support of ASEAN countries' efforts to fight against COVID19 during this difficult time is a manifestation of the robustness and the resilience of the ASEAN-Japan Strategic Partnership. In this regard, Cambodia would like to thank Japan for its contribution of USD 50 million for the establishment of the “ASEAN Center for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases”.

“I would like to encourage Japan to continue supporting other key initiatives, such as the ASEAN Regional Reserve of Medical Supplies for Public Health Emergencies and the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework, to build the region’s socio-economic resilience in the context of living with COVID-19. Within the bilateral framework, Cambodia remains grateful to Japan for providing Cambodia with COVID-19 vaccines, medical equipment and ambulances, as well as the funding to support our socio-economic recovery and growth,” the premier said.

Second. Regional integration is an indispensable component to ensure the region’s sustainable and inclusive recovery.

“I urge Japan to continue to promote the linking and synchronizing of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) 2025 and the Expanded Partnership for Quality Infrastructure. I would also like to request Japan to continue to support the implementation of other action plans, especially the Initiative for ASEAN Integration Work Plan IV (2021-2025), in order to reduce the development gap within the ASEAN region, which is in line with the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”

Third. Cambodia highly appreciates Japan’s effort to enhance nation-building and development processes in ASEAN countries to forge a path towards a common goal of achieving sustainable, inclusive, and equitable growth in this new era.

“As the Chair of ASEAN in the year 2022, Cambodia is committed to preserving and enhancing the close, long-lasting and robust relationship between ASEAN-Japan. In this regard, Cambodia supports the proposal to hold the Special ASEAN-Japan Summit to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the ASEAN-Japan Dialogue Partnership in 2023 in Japan,” the premier underlined.
=FRESH NEWS