Phnom penh: Cambodian Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Prak Sokhonn stated that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) remains an essential platform for regional peace and stability, guided by its Charter and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC). According to Nam News Network, for nearly six decades, ASEAN has played a pivotal role in transforming Southeast Asia from a region marked by division and uncertainty into one increasingly characterized by dialogue, cooperation, and shared prosperity. Sokhonn highlighted this in an official message marking ASEAN's 59th anniversary. However, Sokhonn acknowledged that the region faces a more volatile global climate, with resurging armed conflicts, intensifying geopolitical tensions, and mounting strain on international law and multilateralism. In this uncertain environment, he emphasized that ASEAN cannot afford to be passive and should not merely respond to change but also help shape it. He stressed that ASEAN's unity and centr ality remain crucial in navigating modern geopolitical challenges. Sokhonn, who also serves as a deputy prime minister, expressed pride in Cambodia's contributions to the region since joining the bloc in 1999. He reiterated Cambodia's firm commitment to strengthening ASEAN's unity, resilience, and global relevance while strictly upholding the ASEAN Charter and the TAC in both principle and practice. Founded on August 8, 1967, ASEAN currently comprises Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Timor-Leste.