AKP Phnom Penh- January 13, 2026 --   H.E. Noy Choumneanh presented on Jan. 12 his Letters of Credence to the Secretary-General of ASEAN, H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn confirming his tenure as Permanent Representatives of the Kingdom of Cambodia to ASEAN. 

In the meeting, H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn congratulated Ambassador Noy Choumneanh on his appointment and underscored the important role of the Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Cambodia to ASEAN in supporting the work of the Committee of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN (CPR), particularly in advancing ASEAN Community-building, regional integration as well as ASEAN’s cross-pillar coordination and relations with external partners. 

He further highlighted the Ambassador’s longstanding and wide-ranging diplomatic experience in advancing ASEAN cooperation.

He commended Cambodia’s role as the Country Coordinator for ASEAN-United States Dialogue Relations and expressed support for Cambodia’s Chairmanship of the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) Task Force in 2026.

For his part, H.E. Noy Choumneanh underscored Cambodia’s high appreciation for the important role played by the Secretary-General of ASEAN in strengthening the ASEAN Secretariat and advancing ASEAN’s Community-building efforts. 

He further commended the Secretary-General of ASEAN’s leadership in enhancing the effectiveness, responsiveness, and relevance of the ASEAN Secretariat, as well as his tireless efforts in supporting ASEAN Member States in navigating an increasingly complex regional and global environment.

Ambassador Noy Choumneanh expressed appreciation for the ASEAN Secretariat’s continued dedication and professional support to ASEAN Member States, noting its indispensable role in ensuring coherence, continuity, and effective implementation of ASEAN decisions and initiatives. 

He further reaffirmed Cambodia’s continued commitment to ASEAN and its alignment of national priorities with the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, and continues to work closely with fellow ASEAN Member States and the ASEAN Secretariat to translate ASEAN’s shared vision into concrete and meaningful outcomes.

Both sides affirmed their shared commitment to working closely together, including through the Committee of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN (CPR), to further strengthen cooperation between Cambodia and ASEAN. 

Both sides underscored the importance of enhanced coordination between the CPR and the ASEAN Secretariat in advancing ASEAN’s collective goals and aspirations, especially as articulated in ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future.

By Phal Sophanith