Toast at the State Dinner in Honor of the ASEAN Heads of States/Governments at the 8th ASEAN Summit

Your Majesty and Excellencies the Leaders of ASEAN Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, Distinguished National and International Guests,

The past few days have been the most important in the modern history of the Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC).

Last Sunday, November 3, many of the leaders here participated in the First Summit of the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS) Program of Economics and Cooperation. Then over the past two days, 4^th and 5^th November, we were all key players in the 8^th ASEAN Summit, the ASEAN + 3 Summit, and the ASEAN + 1 Summit with China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and India. We also had a special meeting with South Africa. We should all take pride in the success of all of these Summits.

Indeed, while the various Summits were each held as separate meetings, all had the same context, and a single, unified goal. The development of the Mekong Basin is a crucial component of our common program of full integration of ASEAN, since out of the six GMS countries, five belong to ASEAN, and four are the newer and less-developed members. Furthermore, the elimination of the development gaps among the ASEAN members, and the full integration of ASEAN is the linchpin for strengthened peace, security, stability and strong partnership across East Asia, including closer and more amicable ties with India.

The people and Government of the Kingdom of Cambodia have been greatly honored to host this very important 8^th ASEAN Summit and related meetings. This is the first ASEAN Summit held in the ancient land of the famous Angkor. The people and the Kingdom of Cambodia have opened our arms and land to embrace all our guests. We hope that in the last few days you have experienced our warm welcome not only as neighbors, but close friends and brothers.

The Royal Government of Cambodia is strongly committed to implementing the full policy agenda aimed at reducing poverty among our people, creating ever-lasting peace and ensuring sustainable development. In this context, strengthened cooperation within the sub-region, regional and even broader framework is an important pillar of the Royal Government’s strategies.

Finally, on behalf of the Royal Government and people of Cambodia, I invite Your Majesty, Excellencies the Leaders, Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, to join me in a toast:

Let us raise our glasses to wish:

• Good health and longevity for His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk, the King of Cambodia and Her Majesty the Queen Norodom Monineath Sihanouk of Cambodia,
• Good health, Your Majesty, Excellencies Heads of States and Governments, Ladies and Gentlemen, and
• To our Success in the various Summits!