PM: Connectivity is a new dynamism for Asia-Europe Relations

Tin Sokhavuth

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang next to Prime Minister Hun Sen at the opening session of the Asia-Europe Meeting in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Reuters

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International cooperation, on Tuesday, issued a press release summering the outcome of the 11th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM11) Summit that was officially held on 15-16 July 2016 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

According to the press release, during the plenary session, Prime Minister Hun Sen pointed out that in current context of globalization, the starting point of all development opportunities was about connectivity such as physical connectivity, institutional connectivity and people-to-people relation.

Moreover, to support the sustainability for the implementation and integration of different regional and sub-regional projects regarding connectivity, many existing fund institutions such as the Silk Road Fund, the Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank should be used for this purpose.

Prime Minister added that besides funding, connectivity also needed to be implemented in a safe and stable environment. Hence, the strengthening of the security system that could protect people and countries from the danger of drug trafficking, terrorism, and transnational crimes due to the increasing flows of people and goods, should be also improved.

On the sidelines of the Summit, Prime Minister Hun Sen also did three bilateral talks with Mr. Li Keqiang, Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of China; with Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime minister of Japan; and with Ms. Park Geun-hye, President of the Republic of Korea.

With Prime Minster of China, Mr. Hun Sen has been discussing about Chinese development assistance to Cambodia, electoral process, health, education, and access to clean water. For that, China agreed to give a three-year grant of 3,600 million Yuan (about $600 million) from 2016 to 2019.

With Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Cambodian prime minister has been talking about boosting trade, investment, tourism between the two nations, and the peacekeeping cooperation. A direct flight between Japan and Cambodia are expected to begin in September 2016.

With the President of South Korea, both sides have been talking about various bilateral and regional issues.

On the other hand, the two-day Summit also led to the adoption of three other documents – Ulaanbaatar Declaration on ASEM into the Third Decade, Chair’s Statement, and Statement of ASEM Leaders on International Terrorism.

As for the Ulaanbaatar Declaration on ASEM into the Third Decade, it recognized the importance of the broad political dialogues between countries, the enhancement of economic cooperation, the growth of socio-cultural exchanges, and the measures taken by both regions to face the challenges.

The Declaration also mentioned about the commitment of ASEM’s leaders who wanted to focus on cooperation for tangible benefits by fostering connectivity in all dimensions.

As for the Char’s Statement, it identified the common goals for the future ASEM. It also highlighted the importance of enhancing connectivity in all dimensions, the promotion of cooperation on political and security issues.

Concerning the Statement of ASEM Leaders on International Terrorism, it strongly condemned “the heinous and cowardly terrorist attacks” in Europe, Asia, and other place in all forms and manifestations committed by whoever and whatever purposes.