Peace as a prerequisite for development
In his remarks, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet welcomed the forum’s theme "Shaping Our Future Together: Peace, Prosperity and People-Centered", saying it accurately reflects the region’s most pressing priorities at a time when the world is facing profound security, economic and development challenges. He stressed that ASEAN must take a clear-eyed view of threats to peace, stability and growth in order to formulate effective strategies for strengthening regional cooperation.
Hun Manet noted that ASEAN has transformed from a region once marked by conflicts, ideological divisions and mistrust into one of the world’s most stable and dynamic regions. He attributed this achievement to the bloc’s commitment to dialogue, confidence-building, respect for sovereignty, non-interference and the peaceful settlement of disputes.
At the same time, he cautioned that peace cannot be taken for granted as the world faces increasingly complex security challenges, ranging from cyber warfare and proxy conflicts to information manipulation campaigns.
On regional issues, the Cambodian leader reaffirmed his country’s commitment to neighborly cooperation and called for closer coordination in addressing transnational challenges such as organized crime, drug trafficking, human trafficking and environmental degradation. He also reiterated support for the full implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and the early conclusion of an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) to help safeguard regional peace and stability.
