Kuala lumpur: Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet highlighted China's active role in ASEAN's energy transition at the 28th ASEAN-China Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia yesterday.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, Samdech Thipadei stated that China has been instrumental in advancing the ASEAN Power Grid through interconnections, cross-border trade frameworks, and capacity-building programmes. He also reaffirmed Cambodia's backing for China's proposal to establish the ASEAN-China Clean Energy Cooperation Centre, aimed at fostering a secure, resilient, and low-carbon regional energy future.
The Cambodian Premier emphasized the importance of people-to-people exchanges as the bedrock of the enduring ASEAN-China partnership. He commended progress made under the ASEAN-China Year of People-to-People Exchanges (2024-2025) and expressed strong support for the establishment of the ASEAN-China Tourism Ministers' Meeting.
During the summit, Samdech Thipadei expressed sincere gratitude to China for its steadfast support in the ceasefire efforts between Cambodia and Thailand. He noted that China's facilitation of informal engagements has helped build mutual trust and encouraged dialogue, reflecting a shared aspiration for lasting peace and regional stability.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia, the ASEAN and China Leaders welcomed the signing of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA) 3.0 Upgrade Protocol, which is expected to create new opportunities and respond to evolving trade dynamics.
The Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), which plays a significant role in maintaining peace, security, stability, and prosperity in the region. They also welcomed the adoption of a new Plan of Action to Implement the ASEAN-China CSP for Peace and Prosperity (2026-2030) and China's proposal to designate 2026 as the ASEAN-China Year on the Fifth Anniversary of the CSP.