SAMDECH AKKA MOHA SENA PADEI TECHO HUN SEN, Prime Minister of Cambodia, said his country has joined international efforts to rollout a widespread vaccination campaign and expects to vaccinate around 80 per cent of his country’s total population (of around 16 million) by no later than November .  With good vaccination progress, strong containment and treatment measures, Cambodia looks forward to a gradual reopening of a sustainable and inclusive social and economic activity, he said.

Recalling that interference in internal affairs and military attempts to impose different systems of governance has led to death, human suffering and misery, he said that, regarding to the recent events in Afghanistan, it was critical to respect the wishes of each nation and their people’s rights to self‑determination.  Calling for a strengthened multilateralism and rules-based international cooperation, he stressed that the development of countries, large and small, should not be hindered by unilateral sanctions, embargoes or other coercive economic measures that violate international law and the very principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.  Recalling that his country will host the thirteenth Summit of the Asia-Europe Meeting, he pointed out that multilateralism will top the meeting’s agenda.

On climate change, he reiterated his country’s commitment to the Paris Agreement and pledged support to the Secretary-General’s call for scaling up regional adaptation and mitigation efforts.  Turning to the peace and security agenda, he spotlighted Cambodia’s long‑standing position that the primary responsibility for the maintenance of the international peace and security rests with the United Nations.

He went on to note that, since 2006, Cambodia has contributed more than 7,500 troops to serve in various peacekeeping missions across the globe.  He voiced his support for the Secretary-General’s “Action for Peacekeeping Plus” initiative and women, peace and security agenda, which will help integrate a gender perspective in various peacekeeping operations.  The changing realities of the twenty-first century demand a responsive United Nations, he stressed, reaffirming Cambodia’s support for Security Council reform.  “We are of the view that the foremost priority should be given to increasing the representation of developing countries, which comprise the vast majority of Member States,” he said.

As incoming Chair of ASEAN, Cambodia will continue to push for a more vibrant and harmonious ASEAN community, he stated.  It will focus on better protection of migrant workers, a greener and more inclusive development agenda and a more advanced digital transformation for micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as women and youth entrepreneurship.