Message from His Majesty King Norodom Sihanouk of Cambodia

ON the occasion of the ASEAN Heads of State and Heads of Government meeting in Phnom

Penh from 3rd to 5th November 2002, on behalf of the Royal Government and the people

of Cambodia, and on my own behalf, I would like to extend a warm welcome to Cambodia

to Their Excellencies the eminent Heads of State and Heads of Government of the Association

of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

In April 1999, Cambodia became the tenth member of ASEAN and has since worked hard

to fully integrate itself with the activities of the Association and also to contribute

to ASEAN's regional economic integration.

Cambodia has actively participated in the various ASEAN economic initiatives such

as the Free Trade Area (AFTA), the Industrial Cooperation Scheme (AICO) and the Investment

Area (AIA), as well as other ASEAN organized activities in the political and social

fields.

In return, many Cambodians have received ASEAN training programs in order that they

can acquire the same level of expertise and work together with their counterparts

in other ASEAN countries.

I would like to avail myself of this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation

to ASEAN for supporting the rehabilitation, domestic reform and development of Cambodia,

through the above-named and other initiatives.

May I wish the ASEAN Heads of State and Heads of Government much success in their

deliberations during their summit in our country.

NORODOM SIHANOUK