For Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, that means a chance to demonstrate a balanced foreign policy toward both the US and China.
Analysts say next week’s meeting will be a test of whether Cambodia will continue to act counter to the interests of Asean.
Former king Norodom Sihanouk's most lasting legacy was the winning of independence for his country from colonial France in 1953.
Although violence against writers and academics in Cambodia has decreased in recent years, many say they still face strong censorship.
Taken together, the meetings will be an indication of Cambodia’s Asean priorities.
The Xayaburi dam is planned in Laos’ northwestern Xayaburi Province, more than 1,000 kilometers upstream from Phnom Penh.
Lack of information about proposed Sambor hydro dam across the Mekong in Kratie raises concerns for locals.
Prominent activists agree that the main obstacle for an effective commission will be its lack of protection mechanisms and independence.
With Cambodia marking 60 years of diplomatic relations with the United States, political analysts say the small nation is increasingly important to US regional diplomacy.
Experts have singled out plans for two mainstream dams as the greatest threat to the productive inland fisheries of the Mekong region.
In recent years Cambodia has sent peacekeepers to three African countries.
