ASEAN Exemplifies Regional Cooperation And Solidarity: Cambodian FM

PHNOM PENH, Aug 9 (Bernama-Xinhua) -- Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sok Chenda Sophea praised the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as a model of regional cooperation and solidarity on the international stage, reported Xinhua.

  "Together, we've built a thriving community that champions shared values and mutual interests while addressing common challenges," he said in a message on the 57th ASEAN anniversary.

 "One of our key strengths is our commitment to solidarity among members," he said. "Through dialogue, diplomacy, and mutual respect, ASEAN member states have worked hand-in-hand to create a harmonious environment for stability, economic growth, and social development."

Chenda Sophea said for almost six decades, ASEAN worked diligently to make sure that its centrality and unity were preserved and strengthened.

"Centrality is the driving force behind our substantive dialogue and cooperation with external partners to maintain peace, stability, and prosperity in Southeast Asia," he said. "It reflects the ASEAN commitment to a region that's economically vibrant, socially just, and culturally interconnected."

He added that unity in diversity is another strength that contributes to the bloc's resilience.

"We are proud of our remarkable diversity of cultures, traditions, languages, and histories, a source of strength and creativity for our region," he said.

He said Cambodia has been a steadfast member of ASEAN since 1999, contributing significantly to regional cooperation and integration.

"We've helped nurture its values and guiding principles including independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, non-interference, consensus-based decision making, and peaceful settlement of disputes," he said. "These principles promote a region that flourishes with peace and opportunity."

Chenda Sophea said Cambodia will continue to uphold and promote ASEAN unity, centrality, and solidarity to address common challenges and enhance its contribution to regional and global peace, stability, security, and sustainable development.

"Together, we can bring about peace, stability, and prosperity in the region for our people's well-being," he said.

ASEAN groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

--BERNAMA-XINHUA