The attendance of Cambodia as a full member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in this year’s informal summit shows that ASEAN’s investment in peace has paid off.
President Joseph Ejercito Estrada noted this Sunday as he cited the significance of Cambodia’s first participation in the summit held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).
"Cambodia’s attendance today is particularly meaningful since this is the first time our Cambodian brothers are attending the ASEAN summit as full member. ASEAN’s investment in the restoration of peace and stability in Cambodia have paid off. ASEAN is finally complete, and its completeness should be a boon to our strength," the President said in his remarks at the opening of the 3rd ASEAN Informal Summit.
The ASEAN, which was formed in 1967 with five founding members—the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand—has since expanded to include Brunei Darussalam in 1984, Vietnam in 1995, Laos and Myanmar in 1997, and Cambodia on April 30 this year.
Cambodia gained its independence and political stability after intensive consultation efforts with ASEAN members.
ASEAN’s 500 million population has a combined gross domestic product of $737 billion and total trade of $720 billion.
"Like a bridge, this summit, we hope, will help link the two sides of three divides, namely, those of the past and the future, of experience and vision, and of promise and fulfillment," he said.