Phnom Penh Statement on the Post-COVID-19 Socio-Economic Recovery

1. The Heads of State and Government of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), were deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives and suffering faced by millions of peoples around the world due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This pandemic has not only posed unprecedented threats and challenges to public health systems, sustainable development and exacerbated inequality, but also disrupted the global economy, global and regional supply chains and networks of production, tourism, and the very way of life of people.

2. Recalling the ASEM Host and Regional Coordinators’ Ministerial Statement on COVID-19 of 7 September 2020, Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to enhance multilateral platforms and international cooperation among all ASEM Partners and relevant stakeholders and to strengthen the existing regional mechanisms in fighting against the pandemic, minimizing its adverse impacts, following science-based policies, and ensuring coordinated and systematic response, recognizing the links between human, animal and environmental health.