The 19th ASEAN Parties Against Corruption (ASEAN-PAC) meeting concluded on August 17 in Siem Reap province with “fruitful” results. During the meeting, participants outlined several recommendations to bolster anti-corruption cooperation within the ASEAN framework.

Cambodia’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU), which hosted the two-day event, highlighted that participants had ratified the minutes from the 18th ASEAN-PAC Secretariat meeting, held in Phnom Penh last November.

Discussions at the recent meeting centred around two main points. The participants discussed the formalities surrounding the issuance of an ASEAN-PAC e-booklet and the procedure for the admission of Timor-Leste’s Anti-Corruption Commission (CAC) as the 11th member of the organisation, according to the ACU.

The future meeting will be chaired by the State Inspection Authority (SIA) of Laos’ anti-corruption body, the designated host for an impending ASEAN-PAC conference.

At the onset of the Siem Reap meeting, ACU chief Om Yentieng Yentieng pointed out the importance of shared experiences and collaboration among the ASEAN-PAC members.

"The sharing of experiences and cooperation between the ASEAN-PAC parties, along with ongoing active participation in ASEAN programmes, engagement in related events, and capacity-building partnerships as agreed upon by ASEAN-PAC, remains a significant responsibility,” he said.