Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Prak Sokhonn, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, in his capacity as the Special Envoy of the ASEAN Chair has reiterated his continued commitment for the resolution of Myanmar’s crisis, even though there are less than six months left for him.

“As mandated, I will do everything at my disposal to facilitate a constructive dialogue, to promote trust and confidence, and to alleviate the suffering of the innocent people through the provision of humanitarian assistance and vaccines. We can only act as a neutral bridge for all conflicting parties to rely on. But all these things require time, understanding and foremost strategic patience,” he told the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute’s Special Discussion held on July 21 via Videoconference.

H.E. Prak Sokhonn said halfway into Cambodia’s ASEAN Chairmanship, so much has happened in the region and beyond.

Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen has made an ice-breaking trip to Myanmar and held two additional bilateral meetings with Senior General Min Aung Hlaing in a virtual format. As for him, he paid his first visit to Myanmar as the Special Envoy, in March. As one of the results of that visit, Cambodia managed to convene the Consultative Meeting on the ASEAN Humanitarian Assistance to Myanmar last May in Phnom Penh. Then he made the 2nd visit to Myanmar earlier this month. “Of course, we have communicated on the progress of the 5PC implementation at various events and through press releases and press conferences, but today’s special discussion will allow me to give you more information and dispel some misperceptions,” he said.

Without a doubt, Cambodia’s approaches to resolving the Myanmar crisis have had mixed reactions from both ASEAN pundits and the international community, he added.

“Some have praised Cambodia for trying its best to deliver on its mandate. Others, more cynical and with higher expectations, have viewed our efforts as yielding too little progress,” he said.

H.E. Prak Sokhonn said, either way, and regardless of both external and internal pressures, Cambodia went ahead with a clear appreciation that the crisis is deeply-rooted in complex historical and political issues. “Our approach was therefore driven by a certain pragmatism and we chose a step-by-step approach to tackle these issues,” he stressed.

The Special Envoy said his first working visit to Myanmar in March 2022 has enabled him to grab a better understanding of the situation on the ground and address many operational challenges with regards to the delivery of Humanitarian assistance, while his second mission enabled him to take appropriate steps to bring progress on the three immediate priorities for the implementation of the 5PC, namely: (1) Cessation or reduction of violence; (2) Delivery of humanitarian assistance to the people in need in a non-discriminatory manner; and (3) Creation of a conducive environment for inclusive dialogue and political trust among all parties concerned.

“I shall start with the second priority. We have found more common grounds to push forward the delivery of humanitarian assistance. This is an area where I see the most visible progress. It is probably because this humanitarian assistance work is by nature not a political issue and have no or little political implications,” underlined the Special Envoy.

Source: Agency Kampuchea Press