Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation H.E. Prak Sokhonn marked ASEM Day on Mar. 1, 2026, highlighting the enduring partnership between Asia and Europe and commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM).
In his message released this afternoon, H.E. Prak Sokhonn noted that ASEM Day marks the launch of a unique intergovernmental forum connecting two dynamic and diverse regions of the world. On behalf of the Royal Government and the people of the Kingdom of Cambodia, he extended warm greetings and best wishes for peace, happiness, sustainable development, and lasting prosperity to the peoples of Asia and Europe.
He emphasised that for three decades, ASEM has served as a vital platform for dialogue, cooperation, and mutual understanding. Bringing together 53 partners from Asia and Europe, including countries and institutions such as the European Union and the ASEAN Secretariat, ASEM represents more than half of the world’s gross domestic product, population, trade, and tourism, and serves as a bridge linking cultures, economies, and people across continents.
The Cambodian top diplomat underlined that the ASEM partnership remains highly relevant in today’s rapidly changing global landscape, as partners confront cross-border challenges such as climate change, digital transformation, public health resilience, and sustainable development. He noted that ASEM’s informality and flexibility enable open dialogue, trust-building, and practical cooperation across its three pillars: political dialogue, economic cooperation, and socio-cultural exchange.
According to the Deputy Prime Minister, ASEM Day 2026 is not only a celebration of past achievements but also a reaffirmation of a shared commitment to multilateralism, inclusive growth, and a rules-based international order. He stressed that Asia and Europe, working together, can serve as a strong force for peace, stability, and prosperity.
He also highlighted that beyond high-level meetings, ASEM’s impact is reflected in connections among students, academics, businesses, parliamentarians, and civil society. Initiatives promoting educational exchanges, innovation partnerships, and cultural dialogue help strengthen people-to-people ties and mutual understanding between the two regions.
H.E. Prak Sokhonn concluded his message by calling on ASEM partners to renew their resolve to work together in solidarity and partnership, harnessing shared strengths such as innovation, diversity, resilience, and creativity to build a sustainable, inclusive, and peaceful future for generations to come.
