Cambodian leaders acknowledge and support Myanmar's political reforms, peace process, and efforts for reintegration into ASEAN

Cambodian leaders have acknowledged and supported Myanmar's political reforms, peace process, and efforts for reintegration into ASEAN, said Dr. Khine Khine Soe, spokesperson for the State Administration Council and Deputy Minister of the State Administration Council. This was stated by the spokesperson for the State Administration Council in response to media inquiries regarding the state visit of the head of state, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, to Cambodia from September 11 to 12. During his visit to Cambodia, the head of state held discussions with the interim leader of Cambodia, the Prime Minister of Cambodia, and the President of the National Assembly of Cambodia. "In every such meeting, our leaders say they support the political reforms currently being undertaken by our country. They support the peace process. They also acknowledge our efforts to reintegrate into ASEAN and the international community. Cambodia will fully support our return to active participation in ASEAN in our original capacity, and we will fully support this on the international stage," the presidential spokesperson said. He added that the statements fully supporting Myanmar's stance of proceeding in its own way would be of great help in the processes that Myanmar needs to undertake going forward and in matters of reintegration with ASEAN. The presidential spokesperson stated that Cambodian leaders firmly expressed their stance that they completely disagree with Myanmar's exclusion from ASEAN and its downgraded treatment, and that Myanmar must remain part of the ASEAN family. Regarding economic matters, the presidential spokesperson said that an agreement was reached to cooperate on the hotel and tourism sector by making Siem Reap and Bagan sister cities and implementing "Two Countries, One Destination," which is expected to be realized quickly. He also mentioned that discussions were held on expanding direct flights between the two countries and on exporting some of Myanmar's agricultural and industrial products to Cambodia. During this visit, the head of state proposed the Ho Chi Minh-Phnom Penh-Bangkok-Dawei deep-sea port route, which regional countries can use, and Cambodia has shown interest in this route, he said. Cambodia is interested in this route because it wants to trade with India and wishes to use a land route for this purpose, and further discussions will be held on this matter, the presidential spokesperson said.