PHNOM PENH – Senate President Hun Sen has reflected on Cambodia’s decision to join ASEAN in 1999, reaffirming its significance in a speech delivered at the regional grouping’s headquarters in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Nearly three decades on, he said the factors that prompted Cambodia’s accession remain as relevant today as they were then.

Marking the 26th anniversary of Cambodia’s ASEAN membership, Hun Sen delivered a policy address at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta on May 5, as part of a regional tour ahead of his visit to Timor-Leste on May 7.

“Joining ASEAN is one of the country’s most important historical diplomatic decisions, which has had a profound impact on Cambodia’s diplomatic strength and reach,” Hun Sen said.

He emphasized ASEAN’s lasting influence on the country’s political, economic, cultural, and governance systems, describing it as deeply personal.

“ASEAN holds a special place in my heart and memory,” he said, noting that Cambodia became the regional grouping’s 10th member on April 30, 1999.

“Cambodia is the latest member to join the association, yet not the youngest, as the association will soon welcome Timor-Leste as a new member.”

Hun Sen cited ASEAN’s principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of member states as a major draw for Cambodia, particularly in light of the country's past, including the foreign-backed coup that ousted the late King Norodom Sihanouk.

He also highlighted the regional grouping’s community spirit and consensus-based decision-making as critical to its unity and appeal.

“Although the principle may sometimes cause tensions, it has been a strong foundation for ensuring the long-term unity and solidarity of the association,” he noted.

Addressing criticism that the consensus model can allow newer members to block progress for self-interest, Hun Sen pushed back, arguing that divergent views are not exclusive to newcomers.

“Even the founding members of ASEAN cannot always hold unified positions on regional issues,” he said.

While acknowledging ASEAN’s internal diversity, he stressed that consensus has ensured the group’s cohesion for nearly six decades.

Hun Sen credited ASEAN with driving socio-economic development through regional integration, citing improvements in infrastructure and the facilitation of visa-free travel across member countries.

He dismissed claims that Cambodia or other newer members have hindered ASEAN’s progress or relied too heavily on its founding nations.

“When ASEAN was established in 1967, its economic size was only $24 billion. By 2024, the GDP of the 10 ASEAN countries reached $3.8 trillion, making it the fifth-largest economy in the world and it could rise to fourth by 2030,” he said.

He described ASEAN as a diplomatic gateway for Cambodia, enabling the country to build partnerships with states around the world.

As of October 2024, 55 countries had signed the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), and ASEAN had concluded free trade agreements with key partners including China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia–New Zealand, and Hong Kong.

In 2023, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) posted a trade volume of $2 trillion, with $66.3 billion in foreign investment coming from RCEP partners outside ASEAN.

Beyond ASEAN’s past milestones, Hun Sen also shared an optimistic vision for its future.

“ASEAN is no longer just a regional actor but is now transforming itself into a global actor—active, dynamic, and recognized on the world stage,” he said.

According to a press statement, Hun Sen is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings on May 5 with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Senate Speaker Emmanuel Sinzohagera, and House of Representatives Speaker Puan Maharani.