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Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) leaders on Nov. 26 agreed on the Way Forward on ASEM Connectivity, after two days of discussions at 13th ASEM Summit hosted by Cambodia via videoconference under the theme “Strengthening Multilateralism for Shared Growth”:
Source: Agency Kampuchea Press
H E. Dr. Phankham Viphavanh, Prime Minister of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) will lead a high delegation to pay an official visit to the Kingdom of Cambodia early next week, at the invitation Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia.
During the visit on Nov. 29-30, H.E. Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh will be granted a Royal Audience by His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni, King of Cambodia, at the Royal Palace, said a press release of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation AKP received this evening.
The Lao Premier will also pay courtesy calls on Samdech Vibol Sena Pheakdei Say Chhum, President of the Senate, and Samdech Akka Moha Ponhea Chakrei Heng Samrin, President of the National Assembly, it pointed out.
Samdech Techo Prime Minister Hun Sen and H.E. Dr. Phankham Viphavanh will hold a meeting to discuss bilateral relations and cooperation, including the post-COVID-19 socio-economic recovery and exchange views on regional and international issues of common interests and concerns, the same source said.
H.E. Dr. Phankham Viphavanh will also lay wreathes at the Independence Monument and pay tribute at the Royal Memorial Statue of His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk “Preah Borom Ratanak Kaudh”, the Late King-Father of Cambodia, it added.
The official visit of H.E. Dr. Phankham Viphavanh to Cambodia during the reopening of the Kingdom will contribute to further consolidating the bonds of traditional friendship, fraternal solidarity, good neighbourliness, long-lasting comprehensive strategic partnership and close cooperation between the two countries, as well as to enhancing the cooperation within the ASEAN framework for peace, stability and prosperity in the region and beyond, underlined the press release.
Source: Agency Kampuchea Press
The World Health Organisation (WHO) in Cambodia has reminded the Kingdom to be ready for a possible surge of the emerging COVID-19 variant of concern Omicron.
The following is the statement of WHO Cambodia released on Nov. 27:
“The B.1.1.529 COVID-19 variant (“Omicron”) was first reported to WHO from South Africa on 24 November 2021. The first known confirmed Omicron infection was from a specimen collected on 9 November 2021. Infections in South Africa have increased steeply in recent weeks, coinciding with detection of this new variant. There is a high risk that Omicron will be imported and soon found in the Cambodian community in this highly interconnected world.
Omicron is worrying for the global response to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic. This variant has a large number of mutations, some of which are concerning. Preliminary evidence suggests an increased risk of reinfection with this variant, as compared to other Variants of Concern (VOCs). Omicron has also been detected at faster rates than previous surges in infection, suggesting that this variant may be able to infect people easily, which would make it more transmissible. We do not know about vaccine effectiveness on this variant; researchers are looking into potential impact on vaccines and other tools. They are also working to understand more about the mutations and what they potentially mean for how virulent this variant is.
However, the positive news is that current COVID-19 PCR diagnostics continue to detect Omicron, so we can track its spread. We can adjust and enhance our COVID-19 response based on new information, to mitigate its threat. This could include enhancing surveillance, sequencing and implementing risk-based international border measures. Adjustments and changes in our responses will continue to be made as we learn more about this new variant, and these swift decisions will demonstrate that the risk-based and scientific approach to the virus is working. Information on Omicron is rapidly evolving and as more evidence comes to light, health authorities will respond appropriately to keep the community safe.
“Cambodia should be concerned about the newly detected Variant of Concern Omicron despite the high COVID-19 vaccination coverage,” said Dr Li Ailan, WHO Representative to Cambodia, “Everyone should be ready for a possible surge, and we should continue to learn and adjust our response measures.”
The most effective way to protect yourself, your loved ones, and the Cambodia community at large is to continue effective public health and social measures. The Cambodia’s three dos and three don’ts remain crucial. The wearing of close-fitting masks, hand hygiene, physical distancing, avoiding crowded places and improving ventilation of indoors spaces are our strongest defence against COVID-19, including against new variants. COVID-19 vaccination remains vital, especially for protecting the high risk and vulnerable populations such as health care workers and the elderly.
WHO continues to assess the rapidly changing situation, monitor Omicron’s emergence and spread, and advise on measures to respond to its threat. The pandemic is not over. Cambodia has been making every effort to save lives and protect health while implementing a safe and sustainable reopening.”
Source: Agency Kampuchea Press
H.E. Ms. Retno L.P. Marsudi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, will pay an official visit to the Kingdom of Cambodia from Nov. 30 to Dec. 1, at the invitation of H.E. Prak Sokhonn, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
According to a press release of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation issued this evening, during the visit, H.E. Ms. Retno L.P. Marsudi will pay a courtesy call on Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia.
H.E. Ms. Retno L.P. Marsudi will hold a meeting with H.E. Deputy Prime Minister Prak Sokhonn, during which various aspects of bilateral relations and cooperation as well as priorities of Cambodia’s ASEAN Chairmanship 2022 will be discussed.
The official visit of H.E. Ms. Retno L.P. Marsudi to Cambodia will further strengthen and deepen the long-lasting relations and close cooperation between Cambodia and Indonesia both in bilateral and multilateral frameworks for mutual benefits of the two nations and beyond.
Source: Agency Kampuchea Press
Cambodia and Vietnam are committed to strengthen the cooperation between the two countries’ central banks.
The commitment was made in a recent meeting between H.E. Chea Chanto, Governor of the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) and H.E. Ms. Nguyen Thi Hong, Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) through a videoconference.
H.E. Ms. Nguyen Thi Hong spoke highly the NBC’s achievements in stabilising the banking system, exchange rate and low inflation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The SBV’s governor congratulated the Cambodian central bank for the launch of an innovative e-payment platform known as Bakong system, which helps facilitate cross-institutional payment and connectivity.
From his end, H.E. Chea Chanto underlined the good collaboration under the Memorandum of Understanding between the two countries’ central banks on the general cooperation, especially for the control of money laundering and terrorist financing.
The NBC governor thanked the State Bank of Vietnam for its support to Cambodia’s human resource development.
Source: Agency Kampuchea Press