Today, that vision has been fully realized. This is an aspiration that was valid in 1967 as it is today and will be in the future. A new government has been installed in Phnom Penh. The recent establishment of a Senate can only reflect a sincere commitment to the attainment of that goal.
Regionalism is a continuous process of evolution.
We must build a collective will and build upon the achievements of the past 31 years. Above all, our countries must be at peace within themselves and with the world at large by eliminating causes for conflict and through abiding respect for justice and the rule of law and through the strengthening of national and regional resilience. By the same token, we have high expectations that Cambodia will live up to its commitments as well as responsibilities as a full-pledged member of the Association. Finally, I would like to convey an important message from the Filipino people. It has forced the group to accept sea-changes beyond their frontiers.