ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn addressed VECONAC members at Phnom Penh assembly.
Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, delivered closing remarks at the 25th General Assembly of the Veterans Confederation of ASEAN Countries (VECONAC) on 5 October 2026 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. He congratulated VECONAC on the successful conclusion of the General Assembly and thanked the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Cambodian Veterans and Pensioner Association for hosting the gathering under Cambodia’s 2026 presidency.
The 25th General Assembly provided an occasion for VECONAC members to conclude their deliberations and for the ASEAN Secretary-General to address the organisation in his capacity as part of ASEAN’s engagement with the veterans’ confederation. In his closing remarks, Dr. Kao highlighted the ASEAN Secretariat’s continued commitment to accompany VECONAC as an Entity Associated with ASEAN.
Dr. Kao also welcomed the veteran organisation of Timor-Leste as the newest member of VECONAC. The development expands the confederation’s membership to include Timor-Leste’s veteran organisation, following the country’s integration into ASEAN.
In his remarks, Dr. Kao congratulated VECONAC on the successful conclusion of its 25th General Assembly and expressed appreciation to Cambodia for hosting the gathering during its 2026 ASEAN presidency. He also thanked the Cambodian Veterans and Pensioner Association for hosting the assembly in Phnom Penh.
Looking ahead, Dr. Kao wished the Veterans Association of Royal Brunei Armed Forces (VARBAF) every success as it assumes the VECONAC presidency in 2027. The incoming presidency will coincide with ASEAN’s 60th anniversary next year.
The Secretary-General’s participation underscored the ASEAN Secretariat’s continued engagement with VECONAC as an Entity Associated with ASEAN. His remarks also recognised the role of the outgoing host and welcomed the incoming presidency, while noting the addition of Timor-Leste’s veteran organisation to the confederation.
The 25th VECONAC General Assembly concluded in Phnom Penh on 5 October 2026, with Cambodia having hosted the gathering under its 2026 ASEAN presidency.
Source: ASEAN
