The President’s Office spokesperson and Deputy Minister of the President’s Office, Dr Khaing Khaing Soe, said that Cambodian leaders have recognized and expressed support for Myanmar’s political reforms, peace process and efforts to reintegrate into and restore its harmonious participation in ASEAN.

The spokesperson made the remarks while responding to questions from media regarding President U Min Aung Hlaing’s state-level goodwill visit to Cambodia from September 11 to 12.

During the visit, the President held meetings and discussions with Cambodia’s Acting Head of State, the Prime Minister of Cambodia and the President of the National Assembly of Cambodia.

“At every meeting, the leaders said that they support the political reforms currently being undertaken by our country. They encourage the peace process. They also recognize our efforts to reintegrate and restore harmonious relations within ASEAN and the international community. Cambodia will fully support Myanmar’s return to active participation in ASEAN as before, and will also fully support this on the international stage,” the President’s Office spokesperson said.

She added that statements expressing full support for Myanmar’s position of pursuing its own Myanmar way would greatly contribute to the processes Myanmar needs to undertake going forward and its efforts to reintegrate with ASEAN.

The Cambodian leaders firmly stated that Cambodia does not accept Myanmar being excluded from ASEAN or being treated at a downgraded level, and that Myanmar must remain a member of the ASEAN family, according to the President’s Office spokesperson.

Regarding economic matters, an agreement was reached in the hotel and tourism sector to establish Siem Reap in Cambodia and Bagan of Myanmar as sister cities and to implement the “Two Countries, One Destination” initiative. This is an area where tangible results are expected to be seen soonest, the President’s Office spokesperson said.

She also said that discussions were held on expanding direct air services between the two countries and enabling Myanmar to export certain agricultural and industrial products to Cambodia.

During the visit, the President proposed the Ho Chi Minh–Phnom Penh–Bangkok–Dawei Deep-Sea Port route, which would enable regional countries to travel through the region. Cambodia also expressed interest in the proposed route, she said.

The spokesperson explained that Cambodia is interested in the route because it wishes to conduct trade with India and wants to use an overland route for such trade. Discussions on the matter will continue, she added.