Phnom penh: Cambodian Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Prak Sokhonn emphasized on Friday that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) continues to be an essential platform for maintaining regional peace and stability, as reported by Xinhua. According to Nam News Network, Sokhonn highlighted that for nearly six decades, ASEAN has played a pivotal role in transforming Southeast Asia from a region characterized by division and uncertainty into one defined by dialogue, cooperation, and shared prosperity. He made these remarks in an official message commemorating ASEAN's 59th anniversary. Sokhonn noted that the region is currently facing a much more volatile global climate, marked by resurging armed conflicts, heightened geopolitical tensions, and increasing pressure on international law and multilateralism. In this environment of uncertainty, he stated that ASEAN cannot afford to be passive and must actively shape changes rather than merely responding to them. He underscored tha t ASEAN's unity and centrality are critical to navigating modern geopolitical challenges. As a deputy prime minister, Sokhonn affirmed Cambodia's pride in its contributions to the region since joining the bloc in 1999. He reiterated Cambodia's steadfast commitment to strengthening ASEAN's unity, resilience, and global relevance while strictly adhering to the ASEAN Charter and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (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.