(Jakarta): Cambodian Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen called on the new generation of ASEAN leaders to forge more shared memories to strengthen regional solidarity, cooperation, and harmony.

Samdech Techo delivered his policy speech at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta, on Monday (May 5) to commemorate the 26th anniversary of Cambodia’s membership in ASEAN.

Samdech Techo underlined the significance of fostering close ties among regional leaders to effectively manage challenges, prevent external interference in ASEAN’s internal affairs, and avoid the risk of proxy wars instigated by major powers in the region.

“Enhancing ASEAN’s capacity also depends on the level of coordination and the strength of relationships among its leaders. ASEAN cannot become a global pole if its leaders do not maintain mutual understanding, a spirit of community, and a sense of ASEAN-family unity—or if their interactions are confined solely to formal engagements,” Samdech Techo underscored.

President of the Senate continued, “At times, we are overwhelmed by our workload and overly preoccupied with the agendas of powerful nations, to the extent that we neglect our neighbours and forget to care for the members of our ASEAN family. I sincerely encourage the new generation of ASEAN leaders to create more shared memories together, in order to reinforce solidarity, cooperation, and harmony in the region.”

The Senate president also reflected on his close personal ties with fellow ASEAN leaders and urged the youth—ASEAN’s future leaders—to begin cultivating relationships now to further strengthen regional cooperation for the benefit of future generations.
=FRESH NEWS