Kuala lumpur: Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, H.E. Prak Sokhonn, on Thursday underscored the need for ASEAN to strengthen economic cooperation and regional resilience amid growing global and regional challenges.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the remarks were part of a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation following the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Retreat in Cebu.

H.E. Prak Sokhonn welcomed the Philippines' 2026 ASEAN theme, "Navigating Our Future, Together," and its priorities, describing them as timely and relevant due to the complex challenges the region faces. He pointed to geopolitical tensions, rapid technological change, climate risks, and significant socio-economic transitions as factors testing the foundations of regional peace and prosperity.

The Deputy Prime Minister identified three key priorities for ASEAN's future. He emphasized the importance of strengthening trade and investment within the region and with external partners, including modernizing existing free trade agreements. He also highlighted the need to deepen regional connectivity, particularly by advancing the ASEAN Power Grid to support sustainable development. Additionally, he called for the empowerment of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through capacity-building, improved access to finance, and the adoption of new technologies to enhance productivity and competitiveness.

The Cambodian top diplomat stressed that these efforts are crucial to ensuring that the people of ASEAN benefit from deeper regional integration and emerging growth sectors. He also reaffirmed Cambodia's continued support for Trkiye's application to become an ASEAN Dialogue Partner at the earliest opportunity.