Siem Reap: As the Country Coordinator for ASEAN-U.S. Relations 2024-2027, Cambodia hosted the 37th ASEAN-U.S. Dialogue in Siem Reap province successfully on April 22, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MFAIC)'s news release.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the meeting was co-chaired by H.E. Kung Phoak, Secretary of State at the MFAIC and ASEAN SOM Leader of Cambodia, and H.E. Sean K. O'Neill, Senior Bureau Official for East Asian and Pacific Affairs and Acting U.S. SOM Leader. It was attended by Senior Officials and Representatives from ASEAN Member States, Timor-Leste, and the ASEAN Secretariat. The discussions focused on advancing cooperation across key areas under the ASEAN-U.S. Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP).
The Dialogue reviewed the ASEAN-U.S. Plan of Action 2021-2025 implementation progress and engaged in future cooperation discussions under the ASEAN-U.S. CSP. Both sides reaffirmed their commitments to collaborating in priority areas, particularly transnational crimes, counterterrorism, and enhancing cybersecurity. The Dialogue anticipated the timely conclusion of the ASEAN-U.S. Leaders' Joint Vision Statement, which will be endorsed at the upcoming ASEAN Post Ministerial Conference with the U.S. in July 2025 and adopted at the 13th ASEAN-U.S. Summit in October 2025 in Malaysia.
On the ASEAN-U.S. Economic Partnership, the Dialogue highlighted the importance of bolstering economic resilience and expanding private-sector collaboration to foster deeper trade and investment ties. Both parties reiterated their commitments to advancing economic ties by expanding cooperation across key strategic sectors, including digital services, green technology, and transportation infrastructure. ASEAN looked forward to the U.S.'s support for the ASEAN Single Window, ASEAN Power Grid, and ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA).
Both sides expressed optimism about the future of ASEAN-U.S. cooperation for the shared benefits of the peoples of ASEAN and the U.S. The Dialogue also exchanged views on regional and global challenges of common concern.
H.E. Kung Phoak commended the constructive discussions held during the Dialogue and the valuable contributions of all participants. He reaffirmed Cambodia's commitment and readiness, as the Country Coordinator for ASEAN-U.S. Relations 2024-2027, to work collaboratively with all stakeholders to advance shared priorities and cultivate a robust partnership.