U.S., ASEAN Deepen Ties as Hun Manet Backs Peace, Digital Growth

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (Oct.28,2025) — The United States and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) reaffirmed their commitment to a stronger, safer and more prosperous Indo-Pacific during the 13th ASEAN-U.S. Summit this week in Kuala Lumpur.

Leaders adopted a Joint Vision Statement emphasizing cooperation in digital transformation, supply chain resilience, clean energy and regional security. U.S. President Donald J. Trump and ASEAN heads of government, including Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, attended the summit.

As ASEAN’s country coordinator for U.S. relations from 2024 to 2027, Hun Manet reiterated Cambodia’s commitment to advancing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

He urged greater U.S. support for ASEAN’s digital economy initiatives, particularly the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement, and closer collaboration on combating transnational crime.

Trump congratulated Cambodia and Thailand for signing a peace agreement earlier in the day, praising both nations for their “commitment to lasting peace.” He reaffirmed Washington’s “steadfast partnership with ASEAN and its people.”

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet thanked Trump for his “decisive leadership and continued engagement to promote peace and stability” in the region.

The ASEAN-U.S. Summit was held alongside the 47th ASEAN Summit, the 28th ASEAN-Japan Summit, the 22nd ASEAN-India Summit and the 3rd Asia Zero-Emission Community (AZEC) Leaders’ Meeting.

At the 47th ASEAN Summit, leaders discussed building a resilient, innovative and people-centered community under the “ASEAN Community 2045: Our Shared Future” vision.

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet praised Malaysia’s chairmanship and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s leadership in fostering unity and facilitating the Cambodia-Thailand peace process.

He also welcomed Timor-Leste’s admission as ASEAN’s 11th member, calling it “a milestone that injects new dynamism into ASEAN integration.”

He outlined three regional priorities: deepening economic integration, advancing the digital economy and accelerating renewable energy cooperation through the ASEAN Power Grid.

At the ASEAN-Japan Summit, leaders adopted a joint statement supporting the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific and pledged to boost cooperation in digital transformation, cybersecurity and green energy.

Hun Manet called for upgrading the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership and ensuring effective implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.

During the ASEAN-India Summit, leaders designated 2026 as the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation and endorsed a joint statement on sustainable tourism. Hun Manet highlighted growing ASEAN-India trade, valued at $123 billion, and called for deeper collaboration in digital health, fintech and tourism.

At the AZEC Leaders’ Meeting, leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the “AZEC Principles,” promoting carbon neutrality, inclusive growth and energy security.

ASEAN awarded the 2025 ASEAN Prize to the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia for its leadership in youth empowerment and regional solidarity.

On the sidelines, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet met with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to discuss ASEAN’s 2026 agenda and reaffirm support for implementing the Cambodia-Thailand peace declaration.