Agenda 1: “Mekong-Japan Cooperation for Mekong Region”
Jakarta, Republic of Indonesia, 18th November 2011
(19:00 –19:45)
Excellency Chairman,
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen!
First of all, I would like to join the Mekong Leaders to extend my warmest welcome to H.E Yoshihiko Noda, to this 3rd Mekong-Japan Summit.
I would like to take this opportunity to express our deep gratitude to Japan for the emergency flood relief assistance extended to the Cambodian people during the recent flooding, even though Japan itself is still recovering from the worst ever tsunami and nuclear crisis.
We, all, see the increasingly important role of Japan in helping create a harmonious and competitive Mekong region. This could be achieved through the implementation of the existing agenda, namely the reduction of development gap by enhancing competitiveness and strengthening the sense of regional identity. All of this has already been laid out in our programs that are currently under implementation. Therefore, I urge for speedy implementation of the Mekong-Japan plan of actions (2010-2012) and Japan’s initiative of “A Decade toward the Green Mekong” Plan of Action (2010-2020). Cambodia welcomes the proposed consultative meetings between Governments and the private sector of the Mekong-Japan countries in order to promote development in the Mekong and support the proposal to establish Public-Private Partnership, as well as an early implementation of the “Asia Cargo Highway Initiative”.
Taking this opportunity, I would like to once again thank Japan for the assistances provided in area of physical infrastructure, particularly the construction of the Neak Leung Bridge, which does not only link the ASEAN Highway, but also a connect the whole Southern Economic Corridor. At the same time, Cambodia would like to urge Japan to continue playing a strategic role in providing connectivity of Mekong Sub-region, which constitutes an integral part of the ASEAN Connectivity, in particular, in the area of infrastructure, and to further support the implementation of projects within the framework of CLV Development Triangle and CLMV cooperation. These projects are of high importance for narrowing development gap in the region.
I strongly believe that Mekong-Japan Cooperation will truly make valuable contribution to the Region’s economic growth, poverty reduction and effective integration in the whole ASEAN region.
Thank you!
Remarks at the 3nd Mekong-Japan Summit
Agenda 2: “Regional and International Issues”
Jakarta, Republic of Indonesia, 18th November 2011
(19:00 –19:45)
Excellency Chairman,
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen!
I would like to share the following views regarding our second agenda:
First of all, as far as the Korean Peninsula is concerned, Cambodia fully supports the process of Six-Party Talk and the efforts to find a peaceful solution to the issue of North Korean Nuclear in order to transform the Korean peninsula into a nuclear free zone. Taking this opportunity, I highly appreciate contribution made by Japan, aimed at resuming the Six-Party Talk. Cambodia urges all parties concerned to participate in the peaceful negotiations in order to build trust, and maintain peace and stability of the region and the world.
At the same time, Cambodia is of the view that the reform of the United Nations is a necessary, particularly in the post global financial and economic crisis as the region has become not only a regional driver for leading the global economic recovery, but also a center for growth in the longer term. This highlighted Asia’s indispensable contribution and responsibility to ensure global and regional stability. Cambodia therefore supports the expanded membership of the UN Security Council, both the permanent and non-permanent members, in order to respond effectively to the emerging global issues. In this context, Cambodia wishes to reaffirm her full support for Japan’s to become a permanent member of UN Security Council. While awaiting for reform of UN Security Council, Cambodia is of the view that we should advance the process by beginning with the reform of the United Nations in other related aspects aimed at ensuring an effectiveness of this important global institution in order to serve interests of all regions and all members with equality and equal rights.
Cambodia firmly upholds the regime of Nuclear Non-Proliferation. Therefore, in the framework of ASEAN, Cambodia supports and urges for direct consultation between ASEAN and the five Nuclear Power States (P5) with the aim of promoting the early accession to the Southeast Asia Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty (SEANWFZ) Protocol as soon as possible. The accession will build confidence and strengthen stability and security in the region.
Thank you!
