Cambodian PM, ASEAN Secretary-General talk regional matters

Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen met with Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Lim Jock Hoi to discuss regional issues in Phnom Penh on January 17.

Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen (Photo: AFP/VNA)
Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen (Photo: AFP/VNA)

The discussions focused on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and Myanmar's political situation.

The two leaders talked about ways to promote the economy, trade, investment and tourism in the post-pandemic era after the RCEP agreement, signed by 15 Asia-Pacific countries, entered into force on January 1, 2022.

Lim pledged to work closely with Cambodia, the ASEAN Chair in 2022, and other ASEAN member states to implement the RCEP effectively in order to boost development in the ASEAN region.

The ASEAN chief also vowed to work closely with ASEAN dialogue partners, particularly with China, Japan and the Republic of Korea (RoK).

On the Myanmar issue, Hun Sen briefed Lim on his recent visit to Myanmar, saying that the trip was aimed at coordinating a ceasefire, delivering humanitarian assistance to the needy Myanmar people, and paving the way for the ASEAN Chair's special envoy on Myanmar to have access to all parties concerned.

Lim, who is on an official visit to Cambodia from January 15-19, is scheduled to meet with several senior government officials, and will attend the ASEAN Tourism Ministerial Meeting in the coastal province of Preah Sihanouk.

ASEAN groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.