Cambodian Foreign Minister: ASEAN's Success Depends on All Societal Sectors, Not Just Governments

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia, Prak Sokhonn, has emphasized that ASEAN's success is not solely dependent on governments but also on the active participation of the business sector, academic institutions, civil society, youth, and local communities. In a message celebrating ASEAN's 59th anniversary on August 7, 2026, Minister Sokhonn noted that in the current uncertain international environment, ASEAN cannot afford to remain passive. "We not only need to respond to these changes but also to guide their direction," he stated, recognizing that ASEAN's unity and centrality remain indispensable factors. The Cambodian Foreign Minister further elaborated that centrality must be reflected through our consistency, responsiveness, and our ability to adhere to principles and deliver meaningful outcomes for our people. Cambodia has been proud of its membership in ASEAN since 1999 and remains strongly committed to strengthening ASEAN's unity, resilience, and relevance, as well as adhering to the ASEAN Charter and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) in both principle and practice. Minister Sokhonn stressed, "Ultimately, the future of ASEAN is ours to determine. ASEAN's success depends not only on governments but also on the active participation of the business sector, academic institutions, civil society, youth, and local communities. Together, we must strengthen ASEAN's common identity and promote a shared sense of responsibility for the future of our region." As we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), let us collectively reaffirm our commitment to translating the principles of this enduring treaty into concrete actions and to preserving it as a vibrant foundation for peace and cooperation in our region and beyond. Let us work together to ensure that future generations can live in a Southeast Asia that maintains internal peace, is confident in its identity, and is capable of determining its own destiny.