Cambodia reaffirmed a firm stance on continued active engagement in the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) process, contributing to the ongoing strengthening of Asia-Europe relations, said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn.
“Despite the current challenges, Cambodia, as an active member and Chair of the 13th Asia-Europe Meeting Summit in November 2021, remains confident that ASEM will continue to be a dynamic platform for multilateralism to address present and future global challenges,” Sokhonn wrote in his statement on the ASEM Day celebration on Saturday.
On that occasion, he acknowledged the significance the ASEM holds in bridging Asia and Europe in a variety of sectors.
He emphasised how ASEM serves as a crucial platform for dialogue and collaboration, facilitating not only economic partnerships but also cultural exchanges and political cooperation.
By bridging these two dynamic regions, ASEM plays a pivotal role in addressing shared challenges and enhancing mutual understanding, ultimately contributing to a more interconnected global community.
“This special occasion commemorates the founding of a vital multilateral process that has spanned nearly three decades, aimed at fostering enduring partnerships of cooperation across sectors between Asia and Europe,” he noted.
As the world faces mounting pressure from geopolitical competition and conflicts in many countries, the resilience of the ASEM partnership has never been more crucial, Sokhonn added.
“It is essential that ASEM continues to strive for peace, sustainable development, and shared prosperity for all its partners,” he added.
He noted that built on the principles of consensus, equal partnership, mutual respect, and shared interests, ASEM has achieved significant milestones.
ASEM aims to strengthen social, cultural, and educational links between Asia and Europe. These links include people-to-people links and those formed through joint cultural, social, and educational activities that involve, in particular, the youth of Asia and Europe.
“Through its political, economic, and socio-cultural pillars, ASEM has driven substantial progress in areas such as political dialogue, economic cooperation, trade and investment, and joint efforts to tackle global challenges, which include advancing connectivity, addressing climate change, and confronting a wide range of security issues, from counter-terrorism to irregular migration, maritime security, and cyber security,” he wrote.
Since its establishment in 1996, ASEM has proven to be a platform of global importance. With 53 partners from both Asia and Europe, it represents approximately 65% of the global GDP, 60% of the world’s population, 75% of global tourism, and 68% of global trade.
The ASEM process arose from a mutual recognition in both Asia and Europe that the relationship between the two regions needed to be strengthened.
In July 1994, the European Commission published Towards a New Strategy for Asia, stressing the importance of modernising its relationship with Asia.
The first-ever ASEM Summit was held in Bangkok, Thailand, in 1996. At the highest level, this occurs at the ASEM Summits, which involve heads of state.
Subordinately, there are meetings such as the Culture Ministers’ Meetings, Education Ministers’ Meetings, and Senior Officials’ Meetings in these fields. There are ASEM initiatives promoting tourism, technical vocational education, and cultural festivals.
