An artisan engraves a copper and silver vase at Phnhi Tes Handicraft Shop in Prek Kdam Muoy village in northern Kandal province’s Ponhea Leu district. PHOTO SUPPLIED
Cambodia will move forward with plans to host the 13th Asia–Europe Meeting (ASEM13), according to Luy David, the secretary of state at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and head of the ASEM13 National Secretariat.
David told government-run Agence Kampuchea Presse (AKP) on Thursday that the ASEM13 will be held as planned on November 16 and 17.
“The National Committee for Organising the ASEM13 and the Committee’s Secretariat is continuing with the summit’s preparations as already set and approved by the leaders of the 53 Asia-Europe nations.
“The invitation letters signed by the head of the government in Cambodia have been sent to all parties and some leaders have already confirmed their attendance,” he said.
David could not be reached for comment on Sunday, but he told AKP that Covid-19 is still a risk that can affect the planning of the summit. He said close attention is being paid to the evolution of the pandemic in Cambodia and the world.
“We have already done a lot of preparations for this November’s summit in Phnom Penh. For example, the construction of the venue is almost completed while logistics for the heads of state and government of the 53 countries and partners have already been prepared,” he said.
Last Thursday, foreign minister Prak Sokhonn chaired the fourth meeting of the National Committee for the Preparation of the 13th ASEM Summit. Ministry spokesperson Koy Kuong confirmed on Sunday that “the date fixed for ASEM13 remains”.
In April, Prime Minister Hun Sen told the foreign ministry to discuss with stakeholders to see if the summit could be postponed to 2021.
According to ASEM13’s preliminary concept note, the gathering of the leaders, who represent around 60 per cent of the world’s population, 65 per cent of the global GDP, almost 55 per cent of world trade, and 75 per cent of global tourism, will mark the biggest event ever to be held in Cambodia’s contemporary history.
Royal Academy of Cambodia’s International Relations Institute director Kin Phea said that should the summit proceed as planned, it will bring diplomatic and economic importance and cooperation to Cambodia.
He said Cambodia would be a focus of media attention around the world, which will present its tourism potential to the outside world.
“The world will see that nation is capable enough to organise a huge international summit and this shows the Kingdom has security, political stability and peace. So, tourists and investors will be confident in doing business in Cambodia,” he said.
Phea said the theme and topics to be discussed in the summit are being initiated by Cambodia.
He predicted that the summit will also touch on the Covid-19 pandemic because such a discussion would serve as an example for unforeseeable future health challenges.
