Phnom Penh (FN), Dec. 5 – Cambodia reiterated strong commitment to the promotion of the mutual affinities between Indian Ocean Countries and ASEAN.

Ouch Borith, delegate minister and standing secretary of state of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said at the 5th Indian Ocean Conference in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on 4-5 December 2021.

"I reiterate Cambodia’s strong commitment to the promotion of the mutual affinities between Indian Ocean Countries and ASEAN, especially as Cambodia undertakes the important role of Chair of ASEAN commencing January 2022, so that together we can build harmony, peace, sustainability, and prosperity for the whole region," he said.

"The Indian Ocean is the strategic home to major sea routes connecting the Middle East, Africa and East Asia with Europe and the Americas. These vital sea routes facilitate maritime trade in the Indian Ocean region, carry more than half of the world’s seaborne oil, and host 23 of the world’s top 100 container ports," Ouch Borith underlined.

The 5th Indian Ocean Conference was organized by the government of the United Arab Emirates and the India Foundation under the theme “Indian Ocean: Ecology, Economy, Epidemic” is timely and relevant at this time in history when the planet is struggling with the COVID-19 pandemic and its socio-economic fallouts.
=FRESH NEWS