AKP Phnom Penh, October 28, 2025 --​​ Stronger regional cooperation to combat transnational crimes, including illicit trafficking and smuggling cybercrime, terrorism, and online scams are the keys to respond against transnational crime in the region. 

This is the keynote address of Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet at the 26th ASEAN-Republic of Korea (ROK) Summit in Kuala Lumpur on Oct. 27.

The Cambodia Premier further emphasised the importance of stronger regional cooperation on these issues, including through enhanced law enforcement, information sharing, and capacity-building.

On a bilateral note, Samdech Thipadei said the Cambodian National Police has worked closely with South Korean counterpart to strengthen cooperation an addressing these threats, ensuring a peaceful, secure and resilient region that upholds the safety and well-being of all our peoples.

Samdech Thipadei Prime Minister also expressed the appreciation for the ROK's support for ASEAN digital transformation, including through the ASEAN-ROK Digital Innovation Fund, and welcomed the ASEAN-ROK Digital Academy being set up in Cambodia, which will equip our people with future-ready skills, foster creativity, and strengthen partnerships for a thriving digital future. He also highlighted the ROK's contributions to advancing the ASEAN Power Grid 2045 and promoting the growth of ASEAN's creative industries.

According to the press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, in the summit, the ASEAN and Korean Leaders affirmed the shared commitment to advance a future-oriented Comprehensive Strategic Partnership through the effective implementation of the ASEAN-ROK Plan of Action (2026-2030), aligned with the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.

The Leaders underscored the importance of deepening economic cooperation under the ASEAN-Korea Free Trade Area (AKFTA) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). ASEAN Leaders also welcomed the ROK's continued support for ASEAN digital agenda, particularly the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA).

By Heng Panha