The Russia-Ukraine and Myanmar issues could pose diplomatic reactions during the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting hosted by Cambodia, nevertheless it should not dilute top agenda of the discussion.
The note was highlighted by Dr. Kin Phea, Director General of International Relations Institute of Royal Academy of Cambodia, in a recent exclusive interview with AKP.
There were diplomatic boycotts by especially Australia, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States at top-level meetings at the United Nation office, in Indonesia, and elsewhere against Russia over the Russia-Ukraine war.
Such reaction could happen during the upcoming ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, but Cambodia has no rightful control for it though the country will be the host, he said.
He added that Cambodia cannot be blamed for the diplomatic boycott if it happens, as all countries have the right to exercise such reaction.
On Myanmar issue, negotiation is still going on for the level of non-political representation of the country in the meeting and it is a collective diplomatic decision.
“For Myanmar, we may still be negotiating at the level of non-political representation, because we can not let the whole of ASEAN become a hostage to the Myanmar issue, because ASEAN has more work to do. That needs to be done,” Dr. Kin Phea underlined.
Either the Russia-Ukraine or Myanmar issue should not hold back Cambodia from achieving other set priority agenda for the meeting, he continued.
According to the Director General, the priorities include the acceleration of ASEAN internal integration and the promotion of ASEAN internal and external trade through free trade agreements and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement.
