Prey Veng (FN), Mar. 17 – Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen clarified the reasons of the postponement of the ASEAN-US Special Summit, speaking in an inauguration ceremony of SOS children’s village in Prey Veng on Thursday.

“Please do not misunderstand that the rotating chair of ASEAN refused to attend the meeting [ASEAN-US Special Summit]. The meeting was postponed due to conflict schedule,” the premier underlined.

Samdech continued, “Four ASEAN members could not attend the meeting as proposed by the US on 28-29 March 2022. However, while ASEAN proposed on 26-27 March, the US said she could not.”

"Setting the date of meeting is the role of Indonesia who is a country coordinator. ASEAN chair has no right to set the date,” the premier added.

The premier’s reaction came after some analysts said the ASEAN-US meeting was canceled by Cambodia, pressured by China.

Cambodian Foreign Ministry’s spokesperson Chum Sounry said that as the chair of ASEAN, Cambodia has been flexible with regards to the proposed dates and has made special arrangements on domestic agenda to fulfill its regional and international duties. But for leaders' convenience and possible attendance, Cambodia has agreed with ASEAN members states to postpone the meeting.
=FRESH NEWS