Manet fixes on ASEANJapan links, relationship

PRIME Minister Hun Manet has described the long journey of ASEAN and Japan as a testament to the “strength of peace” that exists when nations join hands. He believes that the peoples of the Asia Pacific region need to unite, in order to ensure the region does not become a forum for armed conflict or war.

The remarks came as he attended the Commemorative Summit for the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation on December 17 in Tokyo, Japan, according to a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

The release explained that the summit participants had approved two documents which will orientate and expand cooperation even further, in a new chapter of the ASEAN-Japan relationship which will promote peace, shared prosperity and sustainable development over the next 10 years.

The two documents are the Joint Vision Statement on ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation Trusted Partners, and its implementation plan.

In the press release, Manet spoke highly of the long-held connection between ASEAN and Japan, and of the need for the nations in the region to work together to ensure they do not become involved in armed conflict.

He expressed his administration of Japan for implementing the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP), including maritime cooperation, sustainable development goal (SDG) connectivity and economic cooperation, as well as collaboration in other sectors.

Manet also raised concerns over intercontinental ballistic missile tests by North Korea. He urged all relevant sides to engage in constructive and peaceful talks to push for complete nuclear disarmament to guarantee peace and stability on the Korean peninsula in the long term.

“I also call for a speedy solution to the issue of kidnapped Japanese citizens so that they can be reunited with their families,” he added.

He also supported the initiative of collaborating to establish an ASEAN-Japan nextgeneration car industry, as well as Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s proposal to mobilise $35 billion in funding for five years through state

contest anticipated this year.

The ministry indicated that the prahok season typically lasts from October to February, varying with the water conditions of the Tonle Sap Lake. On clear days, particularly between December and January, commercial stationary trawl fishery – known locally as dai – can yield substantial catches.

Chea Channy, a 35-year-old resident from Svay Rieng province, while waiting to buy fish at a collection point, said she travels there annually to purchase fish for producing prahok, which she supplies to her community.

She said she purchased over 700 tonnes of fish last year, but is uncertain about this year’s quantity as the season has just begun.

Her prahok is usually distributed to Ratanakkiri, Kratie and Siem Reap provinces, as well as some areas in Phnom Penh.

At the season’s start, she purchased fish from Dai 15 at a cost of over 1,000 riel per kilogramme (about $0.24).

Channy has noted a decline in her sales over the course of 2023.

“Normally, I manage to sell all my prahok by year’s end, but this time, I still have some remaining from the previous season,” she said.