Cambodia to back 2025 ASEAN Chair Malaysia

Cambodia has pledged its unwavering support to Malaysia as it prepares to assume the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, while reaffirming its dedication to further bolstering the already excellent relations between the two nations.

The affirmation came during a courtesy call on Tuesday by Malaysian Ambassador to Cambodia Shaharuddin Onn, on Prak Sokhonn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

Malaysia is set to take over the ASEAN Chairmanship on January 1, 2025, succeeding Laos.

Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim has officially unveiled the logo and theme, “Inclusivity and Sustainability,” during the Closing Ceremony of the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and Related Summits in October in Vientiane, Laos, where Malaysia accepted the Chairmanship.

During the meeting at the Ministry, Sokhonn affirmed Cambodia’s fullest support to Malaysia as it assumes the ASEAN Chairmanship next year.

Sokhonn also expressed hope to meet with his Malaysian counterpart, Minister of Foreign Affairs Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hasan, on the sidelines of ASEAN meetings.

He mentioned the joint efforts to seek a “suitable, appropriate solution” for the crisis in Myanmar, which has now turned into a civil war.

“We will try to find a suitable, appropriate solution for Myanmar to return to normalcy,” he said. “I know there are no magic wands to change the situation in Myanmar.”

“You can count on us for support and cooperation to make your task easier,” he added.

Information provided by the Malaysian Embassy noted that during the meeting, both Minister Sokhonn and Ambassador Shaharuddin agreed that relations between Malaysia and Cambodia have always remained strong and friendly.

The Ambassador expressed his satisfaction with the relationship, describing it as “excellent on all aspects – government-to-government, business-to-business, and people-to-people.”

Sokhonn acknowledged Malaysia’s significant role as one of the top foreign investors in Cambodia.

Ambassador Shaharuddin noted that Malaysian businesses were among the earliest foreign investors in the Kingdom and have continued to grow and thrive due to Cambodia’s business-friendly environment and supportive policies.

The General Department of Customs and Excise (GDCE) reported that from January to October, the total trade volume between Cambodia and Malaysia reached $715.15 million, marking a 35.3% increase compared to the same period in 2023. Cambodian exports to Malaysia rose by 35.7% to $109.95 million, while imports from Malaysia grew by 35.3% to $605.21 million.

Ambassador Shaharuddin also reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with the Cambodian government, particularly with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, to explore ways to further strengthen the already excellent bilateral relationship.

The discussions covered ongoing cooperation between the two countries, including efforts to develop Cambodia’s halal industry and enhance its capacity through technical and vocational education and training.

These initiatives align with the priorities identified by the Prime Ministers of Malaysia and Cambodia during Prime Minister Hun Manet’s visit to Malaysia last February.

Additionally, both sides emphasised the importance of enhancing cooperation to combat transnational crime, reinforcing their shared commitment to regional stability and security.