DILI, 30 April 2026 (TATOLI) — Cambodia marked the 27th anniversary of its accession to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), with Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn reaffirming the country’s commitment to regional unity, peace, and long-term cooperation.
In a congratulatory message, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn said the anniversary “underscores the enduring relevance of ASEAN’s founding principles,” as outlined in the ASEAN Charter and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia.
He highlighted core principles including “respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, the non-use of the threat or use of force, and the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law,” saying these have enabled member states “to coexist peacefully and build a region defined by dialogue, cooperation, and mutual trust.”
“In today’s increasingly uncertain and volatile global landscape, these principles are more important than ever,” he said, adding that ASEAN members “must continue to uphold them and choose the path of peace over conflict.”
Cambodia officially joined ASEAN on April 30, 1999, becoming the 10th member of the organization. The admission ceremony took place in Hanoi, Vietnam, marking the completion of Cambodia’s reintegration into regional affairs after years of conflict.
Over the past 27 years, Prak Sokhonn said ASEAN has played a central role in supporting Cambodia’s national development and strengthening its international profile.
He said participation in ASEAN’s community-building efforts has helped Cambodia expand “trade and investment opportunities, strengthen regional connectivity, enhance supply chain resilience, narrow development gaps, and advance science, technology and innovation.”
“These efforts have contributed meaningfully to improving the livelihoods of our people and equipping them to be future-proof and future-ready,” he added.
Cambodia has also been an active contributor to ASEAN’s development, having held the ASEAN Chairmanship three times since joining the bloc. According to the minister, these roles helped guide the organisation through key stages of its evolution and reinforced its central role in regional affairs.
Sokhonn said Cambodia’s engagement has supported “regional dialogue” and promoted cooperation across ASEAN’s political-security, economic, and socio-cultural pillars, adding that the country’s participation has strengthened “ASEAN’s unity, resilience, and collective capacity to respond to regional and global challenges.”
Looking ahead, Cambodia pledged continued support for ASEAN’s long-term goals. “Cambodia remains firmly committed to working closely with fellow ASEAN Member States to realize the ASEAN Community Vision 2045,” Sokhonn said.
He added that ASEAN should continue to “strengthen ASEAN unity and centrality and build a more cohesive, inclusive, and resilient Community—one that is truly people-oriented and people-centered, leaving no one behind.”
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