Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Prak Sokhonn, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has welcomed the U.S.’ efforts to increase the momentum of its relations with ASEAN, especially through the implementation of the ASEAN-U.S. Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) 2020-2021 and the Expanded Economic Engagement (E3) Work Plan, according to the press release from the ministry.
This remark was made at the ASEAN Post Ministerial Conference (PMC) with the United States of America (U.S.), held via Videoconference on Aug. 4.
In this context, H.E. Prak Sokhonn highlighted the important role of the ASEAN-Business Council (ABC) in promoting trade and investment between the ASEAN and the U.S.
H.E. Deputy Prime Minister took the opportunity to thank the U.S. for its contribution of one million doses of Johnson & Johnson vaccine to Cambodia and emphasised the importance of promoting friendly relations between Cambodia and the U.S. in these challenging times.
During the ASEAN PMC with the U.S., ASEAN expressed appreciation for the U.S.’ pledge of over US$87 million in COVID-19 related assistance to ASEAN Member States and the U.S.’ contributions under its U.S.-ASEAN Health Futures initiative, pointed out a press release of the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign affairs and International Cooperation made public this afternoon.
The Meeting also expressed strong commitment to collaborate on addressing the socio-economic impacts of the COVID-19, assuring public health safety, and deepening cooperation on post-pandemic recovery efforts, it added.
On the future direction of ASEAN-U.S. Strategic Partnership for the period 2020-2024, ASEAN welcomed the U.S.’ proposal to expand cooperation on in four areas, namely transportation, gender equality and women’s empowerment, energy, environmental protection and climate change, and looked forward to exploring concrete collaborative activities.

Source: Agency Kampuchea Press