Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn will attend the Asia-Europe Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Spain. MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn will lead a delegation to the 14th Asia-Europe Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Madrid, Spain, on December 15-16.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation spokesman Koy Kuong declined to comment further and instead referred questions to a press release issued on Wednesday.
Sokhonn, it said: “Will deliver a substantive remark focusing on gender equality and the role of women in peace and security, particularly in the UN Peacekeeping Operations.
“He will also attend a working lunch formatted as a retreat session during which he will address issues on counter-terrorism.”
Sokhonn is also set to brief the meeting regarding preparations for the 13th Asem Summit to be held in Cambodia next year. The summit is expected to demonstrate the Kingdom’s active and constructive role within the Asem framework.
At the same time, Sokhonn “will hold separate bilateral meetings with some foreign ministers and dignitaries of Asem member countries”, the press release said.
Asem is a forum which focuses on fostering political dialogues, reinforcing economic and financial cooperation, and strengthening cultural and educational links between Europe and Asia.
The platform comprises 53 partners, including 51 Asian and European countries, the EU and the Asean Secretariat.
Kin Phea, the director-general of the International Relations Institute at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, told The Post on Wednesday that Sokhonn’s attendance is crucial to showcasing Cambodia’s involvement in regional and global affairs.
“The Asem Summit next year will be hosted by Cambodia. So his presence is important in demonstrating the Kingdom’s engagement and presence in regional affairs,” he said.
According to the Asem Info Board, the 14th Asem will bring together foreign ministers and senior representatives of the 53 partners under the theme Asia and Europe: Together for Effective Multilateralism.
The Asem will be chaired by the EU’s new high representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell.
Asem discussions will encompass a range of concerns, such as upholding and revitalising multilateralism and global issues, tackling regional issues and security challenges, promoting gender equality and empowerment, and sustainable connectivity.
