PHNOM PENH, Aug 7 (NNN-AKP) – The 55th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and related meetings, have successfully concluded here, adopting some 30 documents on regional cooperation, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Prak Sokhonn, said.
“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.
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 operationalisation 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.
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.
Cambodia is the chair of ASEAN for 2022.– NNN-AKP
