Your Royal Highness,
Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am deeply honoured to witness this historical event of the admission of the Kingdom of Cambodia into ASEAN. Today, we have finally fulfilled the vision of our founding fathers to unite ten Southeast Asian Nations into one ASEAN. I would wholeheartedly like to join my colleagues in warmly welcoming to H.E. Mr. Hor Namhong, Senior Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Kingdom of Cambodia and his delegation as a full member of ASEAN.

I would also like to congratulate H.E. Mr. Nguyen Manh Cam Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam for excellent arrangements of the programme and activities for the ceremony and appreciate the generous hospitality accorded to my delegation. Allow me to congratulate H.E. Professor Jayakumar, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Singapore for his wisdom and wise guidance, as the Chairman of the ASEAN Standing Committee, to expedite the Special Admission Ceremony in accordance with the decision of the 6th ASEAN Summit.

I am very much impressed with the tremendous achievements made by the Government and the people of Cambodia for peace, stability and development of Cambodia and their continuous determination and efforts to rebuild their country. We wish them every success in their endeavours.

This auspicious occasion will be a landmark in the history of ASEAN as it heads towards the next century. With the admission of Cambodia into ASEAN, our family has been strengthened and united. As a successful regional grouping ASEAN has an important role to play in regional affairs, while gaining momentum towards a higher plane of cooperation to face the age of globalization. ASEAN is also determined to build our vision of Southeast Asia as a region of outward-looking, living in peace, stability and prosperity, bonded together in partnership in dynamic development and in a community of caring societies, despite serious obstacles and challenges arising from the financial and economic crisis.In the bilateral context, Myanmar and Cambodia sharing the same religion, culture and traditions enjoy warm and close relations since ancient times. Myanmar on its part has established its resident mission in Phnom Penh last month and soon will appoint an Ambassador. Likewise, Cambodia will also establish in the near future its diplomatic mission in Yangon. With the missions in place in each other's capital, we hope to further expand and strengthen our cooperative relations in the years to come.

Within the framework of ASEAN, we hope to work together with Cambodia in our common efforts in the realisation of ASEAN Vision 2020.

In conclusion, on happy occasion, may I propose to all ASEAN nations to work harder in facing the challenges stemming from uneven development of member states and cooperate closely to strengthen the unity and solidarity of the family.

Thank you.