Cambodia Marks 30 Years of Asia-Europe Partnership

PHNOM PENH, March 2, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia’s deputy prime minister has hailed the 30th anniversary of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), describing it as a vital bridge between two regions that together account for more than half of the world’s economy and population.

In a message marking ASEM Day on March 1, Prak Sokhonn, who also serves as foreign minister, said the forum has provided an important platform for dialogue and cooperation since its launch in 1996.

ASEM brings together 53 partners, including national governments as well as institutions such as the European Union and the ASEAN Secretariat.

Sokhonn said the forum remains relevant in a rapidly changing global landscape, citing shared challenges such as climate change, digital transformation, public health resilience and sustainable development.

He added that ASEM’s informal and flexible structure allows partners to build trust across political, economic and socio-cultural pillars.

Beyond high-level meetings, he noted, exchanges among students, academics, businesses and civil society have strengthened mutual understanding between Asia and Europe.

Sokhonn called for renewed solidarity to build a sustainable, inclusive and peaceful future.