Phnom penh: Cambodian Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Prak Sokhonn emphasized that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) remains an indispensable 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 transformative role in Southeast Asia, shifting the region from one marked by division and uncertainty to one increasingly defined by dialogue, cooperation, and shared prosperity. This was highlighted in an official message from Sokhonn marking ASEAN's 59th anniversary. Sokhonn also noted that the region is currently facing a more volatile global climate, with resurfacing armed conflicts, intensifying geopolitical tensions, and mounting pressures on international law and multilateralism. In light of these challenges, he stressed that ASEAN cannot afford to be passive and must actively contribute to shaping the changing environment. He underscored that ASEAN's unity and centrality are crucial for navigating modern geopolitical challenges. Cambodia's role in the region was also acknowledged, with Sokhonn affirming the country's pride in its contributions 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. ASEAN, founded on August 8, 1967, currently includes Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Timor-Leste.