Phnom Penh, 6 November 2021 (TDI): The Prime Minister of Cambodia, Hun Sen formally took over the ASEAN chairmanship from Brunei. The ceremony was held virtually as the Covid-19 pandemic has led to increased digitization.
Outgoing Chair of ASEAN
During the ceremony, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah highlighted ASEAN accomplishments under his country’s leadership. Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah is the outgoing chair of ASEAN. Despite the Covid-19 limitations, the region worked to ensure regional recovery under Brunei’s leadership.
Chairmanship Gavel
Hassanal Bolkiah formally handed over the chairmanship gavel to Samdech Hun Sen. He wished success to Cambodia in its new role as the chair of ASEAN. The Cambodian Prime Minister on his part lauded Brunei’s leadership and achievements as the chair of ASEAN.
Addressing Challenges Together
The theme under Cambodia’s ASEAN chairmanship of 2022 is “ASEAN A.C.T”. Addressing Challenges Together. Hun Sen Pledged on the behalf of his country to build an inclusive and equitable ASEAN community.
Regional Mechanism
Cambodia aspires to focus on enhancing ties through a regional mechanism and external cooperation. It aims to do so as per the principles of the ASEAN Charter. Cambodia will adhere to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation, and the ASEAN Indo Pacific Outlook.
Geopolitical Scenario
Against the backdrop of international geopolitical transition, ASEAN has to tackle many challenges. Those challenges include transnational crimes, terrorism, Climate Change, and pandemics. Cambodia will endeavor to establish peace and security.
Economic Ambitions
Economically, the country will endeavor to effectively implement the pre-existent measures. It will endeavor to benefit the region through free trade agreements to make ASEAN an investment hub.
Connectivity
Cambodia will also increase digital as well physical connectivity. This will promote small and medium enterprises along with youth and women entrepreneurship.
Human Resources
Cambodia aims to advance human resources for regional integration. People-to-people connectivity and active participation of women and youth in building peace, prosperity, and inclusive social protection systems are the way forward.
People-to-People Ties
Cambodia aims to enhance people-to-people ties for regional unity. With that agenda, it will set out a plan with the vision of ASEAN beyond 2025.
This is the third time that Cambodia has become the chair of ASEAN. All ASEAN meetings in the coming year will be in physical format.
