At ASEAN-EU Summit, Cambodia Demands International Law Over ‘Fractured’ World Order
AKP Phnom Penh, April 29, 2026 --
Cambodia has reinforced its steadfast commitment to the United Nations Charter and the principles of national sovereignty, calling for an end to the use of force in regional disputes during a high-level diplomatic forum in Brunei Darussalam.
Speaking at the ASEAN-EU Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Bandar Seri Begawan this week, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, H.E. Prak Sokhonn, emphasised that respecting international law is paramount as the global geopolitical landscape becomes increasingly fractured by armed conflict and competition.
The Foreign Minister highlighted that Cambodia’s foreign policy is rooted in the non-negotiable respect for territorial integrity and the peaceful settlement of disputes. These principles, he noted, form the basis of Cambodia's current stance regarding ongoing tensions along its border with Thailand.
During the session, Deputy PM H.E. Prak Sokhonn expressed gratitude to ASEAN and EU member states for their continued support of a ceasefire and their commitment to a legal, diplomatic resolution to the border friction.
Key developments from the summit included: Cambodia reaffirmed support for elevating ASEAN-EU relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership; Adoption of the 25th ASEAN-EU Ministerial Joint Statement to bolster regional stability and prosperity; Plans were set to commemorate five decades of ASEAN-EU dialogue relations next year.
While diplomatic efforts continue abroad, the Royal Government of Cambodia is maintaining active monitoring on the ground.
Royal Government Spokesperson H.E. Pen Bona reported that the Ministry of National Defense facilitated a second annual visit for the Military Attaché Corps in Phnom Penh (MACPP) on Tuesday.
The international observers visited the O' Phluk Damrei and Chey Chumneas areas in Pursat province’s Veal Veng district. Reports from the site indicate that Thai forces continue to occupy the area, utilising barbed wire and shipping containers to obstruct the zone.
The delegation also inspected the Stung Meteuk Bridge. The civilian infrastructure, located kilometeres from the border, remains in ruins following an aerial bombardment by Thai aircraft on Dec.13, 2025.
Spokesperson H.E. Pen Bona reiterated that Cambodia recognises only the international boundaries established by the Franco-Siamese treaties and the maps of the Indochina-Siam Boundary Commission.
"Cambodia remains firm in its defence of the international border based on the principle of Uti Possidetis Juris," H.E. Bona stated. "We do not recognide any unilateral border changes resulting from the threat or use of military force."
The Royal Government maintains that the protection of its territory and citizens remains its highest priority, even as it seeks a peaceful path forward through international legal frameworks.


By K. Rithy Reak





