Phnom Penh (FN), Jan. 17 – Besides Myanmar crisis, Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen and ASEAN secretary general Dato Lim Jock Hoi also discussed South China Sea dispute, ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, and Timor-Leste’s ASEAN membership.

ASEAN secretary general Lim Jock Hoi had a working meeting with Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen at the Peace Palace on Monday.

According to delegate minister Kao Kim Hourn, the year 2022 will also mark the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC). Premier Hun Sen reaffirmed the kingdom's three positions as chair of ASEAN regarding the South China Sea disputes, including full implementation of the DOC, calling for joint coordination from relevant countries, and joint efforts to achieve the COC.

ASEAN secretary general supported the premier’s initiative and affirmed that the ASEAN Secretariat will work hard to promote this work. In particular, hand over the ASEAN Secretariat as a venue to hold relevant meetings on the COC progress.

For ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, the rotating chair of ASEAN premier Hun Sen requested the ASEAN secretary general to promote the implementation of ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific in 2022 in order to promote peace and stability in the region.

For Timor-Leste’s ASEAN membership, premier Hun Sen requested the ASEAN secretary general to assist Timor-Leste in becoming ASEAN member, noting that the country has worked hard to carry out all the requirements set by the ASEAN in line with its Charter.

Samdech also pledged to remove travel barriers among ASEAN member countries, while the RCEP agreement will be entered into force.

Premier Hun Sen also highlighted Cambodia's successful vaccination campaign. In this regard, Lim Jock Hoi supported premier Hun Sen in resolving the crisis caused by COVID19, especially the travel barriers.

The ASEAN secretary general reaffirmed his commitment to work with Cambodia, the rotating chair of ASEAN 2022, to address challenges.
=FRESH NEWS