Cambodian PM Urges for Double Efforts to Restore Multilateralism

Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia and ASEAN Chair 2022, has urged the international community to increase their efforts to reinstate multilateralism to respond to common challenges.

“I am of the view that with the fast changing, uncertain and complex context that our world is facing, we cannot afford to turn our back on multilateralism if we are to genuinely address common challenges of our times. In this connection, ASEAN and BRICS as well as the rest of the international community need to double down efforts to revitalise multilateralism that gives priority to convergences in addressing challenges,” Samdech Techo Hun Sen said in a pre-recorded video for the Second BRICS Political Parties, Think-Tanks and Civil Society Organisations Forum under the theme “Solidarity and Coperation towards Common Development and a Bright Future” this evening.

At the same time, he continued, we need to continue attaching great importance to the rules-based international system with the United Nations at its core which enables cooperation rather confrontation to be promoted. Moreover, countries should not be hindered by the imposition of unilateral sanctions, economic embargoes or other coercive measures that violate international law and the core principles and purposes, enshrined in the United Nations Charter.

Regarding the post-COVID-19 recovery in an inclusive, sustainable and resilient manner, Samdech Techo Hun Sen laid stress on the necessity to work closely together to ensure that we are on the right track to achieve the 2030 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). “In this regard, I fully support China’s Global Development Initiative that involves international cooperation and efforts to support less developed countries, especially those the pandemic hit particularly hard,” he added.

As the ASEAN Chair 2022, Samdech Techo Hun Sen expressed ASEAN’s commitment to further strengthen its centrality and resilience and to promote the effective implementation of all agreed-upon initiatives and measures, particularly the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework, free trade agreements, physical and digital connectivity, capacity development of small and medium enterprises and human resource development to meet the demands of digital age and the fourth industrial revolution.

“We count on our ASEAN’s partners, including the BRICS countries, for support to ensure the success of Cambodia’s ASEAN Chairmanship this year for the interest of the people in Southeast Asia and beyond,” he said.

BRICS is the grouping of five major emerging economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa to promote peace, security, development and cooperation.

Source: Agency Kampuchea Press