Delegates from ASEAN member states and Japan gathered in Phnom Penh yesterday as part of a three-day meeting to coordinate counter-terrorism efforts within the regional bloc.

Sar Kheng, minister of the interior, said terrorism remains a threat but claimed progress in counter-terrorism efforts.

“We have achieved successes in preventing and suppressing terrorism,” he said, citing international and inter-agency cooperation alongside recent legislation as reasons for Cambodia’s achievements.

Neth Savoeun, national police chief, also said the government’s draft NGO law would “enhance the effectiveness of the fight against terrorism.”

Cambodia is seeking support for efforts to secure its rivers, borders and seaports, said Sieng Lapresse, undersecretary of state at the Ministry of Interior.

“It’s not just Cambodia neglect this kind of waterway, but it seems like the whole region been neglect of this thing,” he said.

Sieng Lapresse said financing for ASEAN member state projects, to come from a joint ASEAN-Japan fund, was not discussed.

Cambodia was granted US$82,445 from the fund to organise the three-day meeting, according to a list of projects obtained by The Post.