AKP Phnom Penh, November 22, 2025 --

At the invitation of High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and European Commission Vice President H.E. Ms. Kaja Kallas, Deputy Prime Minister H.E. SOK Chenda Sophea took part in the Fourth EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum in Brussels this week.

The forum on Thursday and Friday brought together foreign ministers and representatives of 67 countries and EU institutions — an important milestone in advancing strategic cooperation between the two regions. 

Delegates discussed security priorities amid geopolitical developments; shared prosperity, economic security, and digital connectivity; and common endeavours for a clean and sustainable future. 

The Deputy Prime Minister stressed that greater alignment between ASEAN’s long-term vision for 2045 and the EU’s Global Gateway initiative was essential. 

He also highlighted the need to enhance cooperation in the digital economy, connectivity, supply chains and the green transition. 

With growing risks of cybercrime, he said Cambodia calls for a commitment to strengthen cooperation in cyber security in tandem with digital connectivity, and welcomed the signing of the UN Convention on Cybercrime in Hanoi last month.

Ahead of the forum, the Deputy Prime Minister attended an ASEAN-EU working lunch hosted by H.E. Ms. Kallas.

The meeting discussed how the two regions can jointly reinforce resilience, advance security and economic cooperation, and uphold an open rules-based regional order amid intensifying geopolitical competition. 

The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted how ASEAN and the EU remained steadfast in their shared commitment to dialogue, mutual trust, and cooperation as the foundation for preserving peace and stability in both regions.

He also reaffirmed Cambodia’s strong commitment to working closely with all ASEAN members and the EU to ensure the partnership continues to serve as a stabilising force amid the complex and uncertain global environment.

During his stay in Brussels, the Deputy Prime Minister held bilateral talks with H.E. Vidmantas Verbickas, vice-minister of foreign affairs of Lithuania. 

The two sides welcomed the successful outcomes of the first bilateral consultations between Cambodia and Lithuania in Phnom Penh last year.

They looked forward to the second round to continue fostering regular dialogue and explore new opportunities for cooperation. 

The Deputy Prime Minister expressed appreciation for Lithuania’s proposal to strengthen human resource development and its scholarship programme with Cambodia.

(Photo: Royal Embassy of Cambodia in Brussels)

By Sao Da