PHNOM PENH (ANN/THE PHNOM PENH POST) – During the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia on Monday, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet emphasised Cambodia’s unwavering dedication to multilateral systems, a rule-based international order, and the principles of non-interference.
He said the principles will protect and promote peace, both at home and around the world.
Manet discussed current global issues, such as the war in Ukraine, geopolitical rivalries among superpowers and Cambodia’s efforts to contribute to seeking peace in Myanmar, among others.
He stressed that conflict can only be ended through talks and negotiations, and never by war.
“True peace and prosperity can only stem from the peaceful settlement of conflicts through dialogue and consultation based on a win-win approach. It is imperative to have the participation and agreement of all parties involved, in a spirit of mutual understanding, setting the well-being of the people as a top priority,” he explained.
He also urged the ASEAN bloc to strive in a concerted effort to secure a timely conclusion of a better, forward-looking, and more practical ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement upgrade.
“Equally importantly, we ought to fully and effectively utilise the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP), while acknowledging that existing ASEAN Free Trade Agreements and economic cooperation with all ASEAN Dialogue Partners are still of critical importance and relevant for businesses and investors,” he said.
He highlighted Cambodia’s commitment to “Peace, Political Stability and Security”, noting that these three values had transformed the Kingdom from a war-torn nation to one with economic growth of seven per cent per annum before the pandemic.
“Cambodia, therefore, demonstrates that establishing ‘Peace, Political Stability and Security’ is a prerequisite and the core of socio-economic and human development, without which basic rights and freedom of the people cannot be protected, much less prosperity and development,” he said.
He also briefed the forum about Cambodia’s Pentagonal Strategy, which envisions the nation becoming a high-income country by 2050.
“We will work closely with all ASEAN member states as well as the private sector to foster inclusivity, peace, and prosperity in the region and beyond.
“Cambodia stands ready to welcome all prospective investors to the Kingdom, where opportunities are abundant, he said.
