H.E. Ouch Borith, Minister-Delegate Attached to the Prime Minister and Standing Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Kingdom of Cambodia, participated in a “Virtual Ministerial Meeting to Address Synthetic Drug Threats”, chaired by H.E. Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State of the United States of America, on July 7, 2023.

This meeting was attended by Foreign Ministers/Ministers from more than 50 countries and heads of international organisations, according to a press release from Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

During the session, the Ministers expressed their grave concern over public health and social harms associated with the non-medical consumption of synthetic drugs. They reaffirmed their determination to address these challenges and jointly identify priority lines of efforts. The Ministers were also committed to developing forward-looking solutions, advancing national and international initiatives, and ensuring that all aspects of demand and supply reduction as well as international cooperation should align with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, international law, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

In his address, H.E. Ouch Borith emphasised the importance of taking concrete actions and developing innovative solutions to combat the illicit manufacture and trafficking of synthetic drugs while mitigating their detrimental impact on public health. He highlighted Cambodia’s efforts and measures in addressing drug issues, including the implementation of numerous laws, policies and action plans. Cambodia has conducted extensive drug awareness campaigns targeting the general public and specific groups. Cambodia has strengthened control and inspection measures on import, distribution, and use of precursor chemicals to prevent the illicit diversion of these substances from legitimate trade.

The Minister-Delegate expressed Cambodia’s readiness to closely collaborate with all nations and stakeholders worldwide with a view to safeguarding respective countries and the global community from the harmful effects of synthetic drugs and ensuring the well-being of the people.

Source: Agence Kampuchea Presse