Jakarta, May 5 (AseanAll) — Hun Sen, President of the Senate of the Kingdom of Cambodia, on May 5, 2025 concluded his official visit to the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat.
The official visit featured a series of key events, including a symbolic tree planting ceremony, an Interface with the Secretary-General of ASEAN, Committee of Permanent Representative (CPR) and Ambassador of Timor Leste to ASEAN, a Policy Speech, followed by a Dinner Reception commemorating the 26th anniversary of Cambodia’s membership in ASEAN. These events were attended by the diplomatic corps in Jakarta, representatives of entities associated with ASEAN, academia and think tanks, business representatives, as well as staff members of the ASEAN Secretariat.
During the Policy Speech, Hun Sen, President of the Senate of Cambodia, emphasized that “To understand Cambodia’s perspective, it is crucial to understand the situations and experiences that Cambodia had gone through and comprehend what Cambodian leaders in general, not just myself, have sought to achieve for Cambodia. Our starting position comes from political, diplomatic and economic isolation, and Cambodia’s connection with ASEAN stems from this very isolation, namely the deep desire for equal recognition, equal rights, and the aspiration for full respect for our independence, sovereignty, and dignity as a nation in the region.”
In his opening remarks, Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, acknowledged Hun Sen’s exemplary leadership in chairing ASEAN in 2002, 2012 and 2022, which led to great successes. SG Dr. Kao further emphasized that 2025 is a significant milestone for ASEAN, as it will see the adoption of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and its Strategic Plans. ‘’The work that Cambodia has contributed over the years has set a clear course for ASEAN’s future, and today’s policy speech by Samdech Techo Hun Sen offers us invaluable insights into Cambodia’s forward-looking vision for the future and its continuing active contributions to ASEAN’s growth, development, and success,’’ said SG Dr. Kao.
“This address presents a unique opportunity to learn from Samdech Techo Hun Sen’s strategic vision for steering ASEAN through an era of great uncertainty, profound turbulence, volatility and transformation. As we are all grappling with profound and dramatic shifts in world politics and economy, Samdech Techo Hun Sen’s experience – honed through multiple decades of navigating crises and shaping history – offers invaluable insights into the path ahead for both ASEAN and Cambodia. In times of change and uncertainty, such seasoned leadership and historical depth and insights are more crucial than ever,” concluded SG Dr. Kao.
Hun Sen’s official visit to ASEAN Secretariat reaffirmed Cambodia’s steadfast dedication to deepening regional cooperation and actively contributing to ASEAN’s future direction. The official visit provided a platform for high-level discussions on critical regional issues and further solidified and strengthened relations, cooperation, and partnership between Cambodia and ASEAN.
The official visit started with a tree planting ceremony, followed by a signing of guestbook and will feature a series of activities, including a ceremonial presentation of a painting by Hun Sen, an Interface with the Secretary-General of ASEAN, Committee of Permanent Representative (CPR) and Ambassador of Timor Leste to ASEAN, a Policy Speech, and a Dinner Reception to commemorate the 26th anniversary of Cambodia’s membership in ASEAN.
