AKP Phnom Penh, January 30, 2026 -- Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, H.E. Prak Sokhonn, on Thursday underscored the need for ASEAN to strengthen economic cooperation and regional resilience amid growing global and regional challenges, according to a press release issued this evening by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

Speaking at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat in Cebu, H.E. Prak Sokhonn welcomed the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN theme (Navigating Our Future, Together) and priorities, describing them as timely and relevant as the region faces increasingly complex and interconnected challenges. He noted that geopolitical tensions, rapid technological change, climate risks and major socio-economic transitions are testing the foundations of regional peace and prosperity.

The Deputy Prime Minister outlined three key priorities for ASEAN moving forward. He stressed the importance of strengthening trade and investment within the region and with external partners, including through the modernisation of existing free trade agreements. He also highlighted the need to deepen regional connectivity, particularly by advancing the ASEAN Power Grid to support sustainable development. In addition, he called for greater empowerment of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through capacity-building, improved access to finance and the adoption of new technologies to boost productivity and competitiveness.

The Cambodian top diplomat emphasised that these efforts are essential to ensure that the people of ASEAN benefit from deeper regional integration and emerging growth sectors.

On new partnership, he reaffirmed Cambodia’s continued support for Türkiye’s application to become an ASEAN Dialogue Partner at the earliest opportunity.

By C. Nika