Phnom Penh (FN), Apr. 23 – Participants expressed appreciation to Cambodia for its steadfast role as Country Coordinator for ASEAN-US Dialogue Relations and voiced support for Malaysia's Chairmanship 2025 with the theme "Inclusivity and Sustainability."

The appreciation was raised during the 37th ASEAN-US Dialogue was held on 22 April 2025 in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

The Dialogue was co-chaired by Kung Phoak, Secretary of State and ASEAN SOM Leader of Cambodia, and Sean K. O'Nell, Senior Bureau Official for East Asian and Pacific Affairs and Acting US SOM Leader. Senior Officials and Representatives rom ASEAN Member States, Timor-Leste, and the ASEAN Secretariat were also in attendance.

"The Dialogue reviewed the implementation progress of the ASEAN-US Plan of Action (2021-2025) and engaged in forward-looking discussions on future cooperation under the ASEAN-USCSP. Both sides reaffirmed their commitments to advancing collaboration in priority areas, particularly in addressing transnationa crimes-including drug trafficking and online scams, counterterrorism efforts, and enhancing cybersecurity cooperation," according to the outcomes seen by Fresh News on Wednesday (Apr. 23).

"On the ASEAN-US Economic Partnership, the Dialogue underscored the importance of bolstering economic resilience and expanding private-sector collaboration to foster deeper trade and investment les Both parties reiterated their commitments to advancing the ASEAN-US economic ties by expanding cooperation across key strategic sectors of mutual interest, including digital services and knowledge-based industries, food and agriculture, green technology, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and transportation infrastructure. ASEAN looked forward to the US's sustained support for the ASEAN Single Window, ASEAN Power Grid, and ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA).

Both sides expressed strong optimism about the future of ASEAN-US cooperation for the shared benefits of the peoples of ASEAN and the US. The Dialogue also exchanged views on regional and global challenges of common concern and interest.

In his closing remarks, Kung Phoak commended the constructive and substantive discussions held during the Dialogue, as well as the valuable contributions of all participants. He reaffirmed Cambodia's commitment and readiness, in its capacity as the Country Coordinator for ASEAN-US Relations (2024-2027), to work collaboratively with all stakeholders o advance shared priorities and cultivate a robust and forward-looking partnership."
=FRESH NEWS