Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Sokhonn: Strengthen Belt and Road Initiative cooperation

Sokhonn: Strengthen Belt and Road Initiative cooperation

Content image - Phnom Penh Post
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn attends the virtual Asia-Pacific high-level conference on BRI cooperation on June 23 under the theme “Promoting Cooperation on Combating the Pandemic for Sustainable Development”. Foreign Affairs Ministry

Sokhonn: Strengthen Belt and Road Initiative cooperation

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn has called on parties involved in China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to strengthen cooperation to produce and distribute Covid-19 vaccines to avoid politicising the pandemic.

“We have to strengthen cooperation to produce and distribute vaccines in a more inclusive and equitable manner ... Regional cooperation is necessary if we are to strengthen pandemic prevention in the future,” he said.

Sokhonn made the remarks at the virtual Asia-Pacific high-level conference on BRI cooperation on June 23 under the theme “Promoting Cooperation on Combating the Pandemic for Sustainable Development”.

He said international cooperation and partnership building are more important than ever for economic recovery and for societies to survive the socio-economic impact caused by the pandemic.

He continued China’s multilateral approach in vaccine distribution has been recognised widely for its importance. To date, China has delivered more than 350 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines globally.

Sokhonn said China had continued to encourage its pharmaceutical companies to transfer technology and vaccine production techniques to developing countries. “With this strong commitment, we can see a future world safer than present.

“I firmly believe that international cooperation and connectivity is an important catalyst for recovery. Our regional cooperation needs to focus on assurances that supply chains in the region are resilient. We did well in this context with BRI projects growing across the region,” he said.

With regard to construction projects, Sokhonn said Cambodia had special economic zones in Preah Sihanouk province and expressway construction projects connecting Phnom Penh to the coastal province, and new airports in the capital and Siem Reap province.

Infrastructure projects have evolved smoothly and will surely boost Cambodia’s economic recovery, he said.

“As well as support for these two initiatives requested by China for vaccine cooperation and partnerships in green development, I am optimistic that the spirit of BRI cooperation will continue to contribute to achieving our sustainable development goals for many years to come,” he said.

Kin Phea, director of the Royal Academy of Cambodia's International Relations Institute, told The Post on June 24 that the cooperative partnership between Cambodia and China has seen the latter providing millions doses of Covid-19 vaccines to the Kingdom through either purchases or donations.

“We know that the Covid-19 vaccine is not a normal commodity that are readily available for sale, even though we have the money. Some countries that have the money are not able to buy the vaccine on time.

“We see that the good relationship between Cambodia and China has benefitted Cambodia economically, socially, culturally, and educationally, especially amid Covid-19 as China has provided vaccines, techniques, as well as other medicines,” he said.

MOST VIEWED

  • Tensions high ahead of historic Kun Khmer match up

    The long-awaited November 5 matchup between Kun Khmer legend Prum Samnang and Myanmar-Canadian boxer Dave Leduc has become the most anticipated fight of the year. The Wurkz Sena Kun Khmer promotion, which will be held at the Town Arena at Chip Mong 271 Megamall, will see six

  • Manet: Cambodia safe for travel

    Prime Minister Hun Manet acknowledged that Cambodia and China have cooperated to tackle internet scamming, fraud and other cross border crimes, but insisted that the “Kingdom of Wonders” is completely peaceful and safe. He welcomed tourists to come and explore its rich heritage. During a

  • UNESCO formally list Battambang gastronomy

    Battambang, renowned for its cultural heritage, has achieved a significant milestone as the first Cambodian municipality to join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN). The UCCN unites nearly 300 cities prioritising creativity and cultural industries in local development plans and international cooperation. On World Cities Day,

  • Cambodia pivots to solar, wind energy

    Cambodia is planning a move towards solar and wind energy to meet its rising power demands, according to Minister of Mines and Energy Keo Rottanak. On the sidelines of the Singapore International Energy Week event held recently, Rottanak emphasised the urgency of diversifying Cambodia’s

  • Angkor causeway symbol of Cambodia-Japan ties

    In a historic moment marking another milestone in the 70-year-long diplomatic relations between Cambodia and Japan, King Norodom Sihamoni celebrated the formal inauguration of a causeway located to the west of the world-renowned Angkor Wat. While presiding over the November 4 ceremony, the King emphasised the

  • Manet calls for Cambodia’s railways to get back on track

    Prime Minister Hun Manet has instructed the relevant authorities to expedite studies into upgrades to the Phnom Penh to Preah Sihanouk railway line. He suggested that the maximum speed on the line should be increased to 80km/h, in order to expedite the transportation of