Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, this afternoon received the chairmanship hammer from Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei Darussalam in the official handover ceremony of ASEAN chairmanship held via videoconference.
In his remarks at the handover ceremony, Samdech Techo Hun Sen said on behalf of the people and the Royal Government of Cambodia, he is indeed proud that Cambodia is taking on the ASEAN Chairmanship for 2022.
The Cambodian Premier also expressed his great appreciation to Brunei for leading ASEAN in 2021 under the theme “We Care, We Prepare, We Prosper”.
‘As the Chair of ASEAN in 2022, Cambodia will steer ASEAN’s collective efforts to accomplish our important tasks, especially expediting the building process of an equitable, strong, and inclusive ASEAN Community, which are in line with core spirit of ASEAN: One Vision, One Identity and One Community,” he underlined.
In this regard, Samdech Techo Hun Sen underscored some key priorities for 2022 as follows:
“1st. Political and Security Pillar: Cambodia will focus on strengthening the ASEAN Centrality and ASEAN Unity, for both regional mechanism and external partners’ cooperation, based on ASEAN Way and Principles stipulated in the ASEAN Charter, Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, and ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific.
Also, ASEAN must be resilient and strong against the pressure and influence stemming from rising geo-political competition, transnational-crime, terrorism, climate change and infectious diseases, etc. to ensure our way forward in peace, security, and prosperity.
2nd. Economic Pillar: Cambodia will promote effective implementation of all initiatives and measures agreed as well as leverage trade agreements to the maximum so as to expedite the recovery of economic growth while we are living with Covid-19 in the new normal, and ensure that ASEAN remains an attractive and dynamic hub for trade and investment by enhancing both physical and digital connectivity; strengthening the capacity of MSMEs; and promoting the entrepreneurship amongst women and youth; as well as other priorities aimed at narrowing the development gaps and advancing regional integration.
3rd. Socio-Cultural Pillar: Cambodia will strengthen the development of human resources to respond to the needs on the ground for community building, promote the participation of women and youth in building and maintaining peace, and develop an inclusive social protection system. Another key priority is strengthening people-to-people bonds to enhance the spirit of One ASEAN Identity.
By and large, Cambodia will continue to mobilise support and cooperation to achieve the goal of building the three ASEAN Communities, in line with the ASEAN COMMUNITY VISION 2025. In addition, we will expedite the development of the ASEAN Community’s Post-2025 Vision.
As the Chair of ASEAN in 2022, Cambodia is committed to leading ASEAN under the theme ‘ASEAN A.C.T.: Addressing Challenges Together’ for harmony, peace, and prosperity in the whole region.”
Samdech Techo Prime Minister looked forward to warmly welcoming all his counterparts from ASEAN and dialogue partners to Cambodia in 2022.
Source: Agency Kampuchea Press