Cambodia's Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn speaks during a press conference at the 55th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Phnom Penh on Aug 6, 2022. (TANG CHHIN SOTHY/AFP)
PHNOM PENH – The 55th ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Foreign Ministers' Meeting and related meetings have successfully concluded, adopting some 30 documents on regional cooperation, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn said on Saturday.
Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn said that over the course of three and a half days, 19 meetings were held back-to-back, with the participation of foreign ministers and representatives from 38 countries
"We have reviewed the progress made thus far to strengthen ASEAN's community building, advance regional integration, and enhance our cooperation with external partners," he told a press conference at the end of the meetings.
ALSO READ: 'Green Deal' seen as good proposal at ASEAN meeting
He said that over the course of three and a half days, 19 meetings were held back-to-back, with the participation of foreign ministers and representatives from 38 countries.
"We have adopted and endorsed around 30 outcome documents, ranging from political, security, economic, social, and cultural sectors to external relations," Sokhonn said.
On the COVID-19 pandemic, he said the ASEAN foreign ministers encouraged the effective operationalization of the ASEAN Regional Reserve of Medical Supplies for Public Health Emergencies.
"We noted with satisfaction the progress of implementation of the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework and its Implementation Plan to accelerate ASEAN's COVID-19 recovery efforts," he said.
ALSO READ: ASEAN ministers vow to strengthen bloc's centrality
He added that the ministers also stressed the need to strengthen supply chain connectivity, support economic recovery and improve stability and resilience of the region.
According to Sokhonn, the foreign ministers of ASEAN and its dialogue partners also exchanged views on regional and international issues of common concern.
READ MORE: RCEP 'key contributor' to ASEAN's recovery strategy
Cambodia is the chair of ASEAN for 2022, which groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.