Phnom Penh (FN), Jan. 8 – Cambodian foreign minister Prak Sokhonn underlined that Cambodia does not earn any benefit from resolving the Myanmar crisis, but it is a responsibility for Cambodia as chair of ASEAN and the kingdom does not want to see the tragedy of the people of Myanmar.

The minister spoke at a press conference at Phnom Penh International Airport after concluding official visit to Myanmar.

As ASEAN special envoy, minister Prak Sokhonn said that Myanmar's crisis could not be resolved through one, two or three visits and that would takes time and patience.

Cambodia is taking a slightly different approach from previous envoys to resolve the Myanmar’s crisis, he added.

“I think we have no political interests, no economic interests, no geopolitical interests gained from helping Myanmar, but why do we help? Cambodia experienced civil war that lasted for almost three decades and we want the people of Myanmar to avoid this tragedy,” said the minister.

“Second, as the chair of ASEAN, we are responsible for this issue,” he added.

Minister Prak Sokhonn continued that, “if Myanmar is in the midst of a civil war crisis as we are concerned, it will have a devastating effect on our region, a bad reputation on ASEAN as well as ASEAN unity, so helping Myanmar is like helping ASEAN.”

Cambodian top diplomat considered that prime minister Hun Sen's visit to Myanmar was a remarkable success. It is an important step forward for Cambodia to help resolve the Myanmar’s crisis.
=FRESH NEWS