AKP Phnom Penh, March 01, 2025 —

Cambodia will continue to actively engage in the ASEM process, contributing to the ongoing strengthening of Asia-Europe relations.

The remarks was highlighted by Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister H.E. PRAK Sokhonn, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, in his message on the Celebration of ASEM DAY on Mar. 1.

“It is both a great pleasure and honour to join other ASEM partners around the world today in celebrating the ASEM Day. 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 all sectors between Asia and Europe,” he said.

Since its establishment in 1996, he continued, ASEM has proven to be a platform of global importance. With 53 Partners from both Asia and Europe, it represents approximately 65 percent of the global GDP, 60 percent of the world's population, 75 percent of global tourism, and 68 percent of global trade.

The Cambodian top diplomat also underscored major achievements of ASEM in joint response to global challenges. “Built on the principles of consensus, equal partnership, mutual respect, and shared interests, ASEM has achieved significant milestones. 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 cybersecurity,” he said.

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, said H.E. PRAK Sokhonn, stressing that it is essential that ASEM continues to strive for peace, sustainable development, and shared prosperity for all its partners.

“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,” he underlined.

By C. Nika