AKP Phnom Penh, July 15, 2025 --  

Samdech Maha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary, President of the National Assembly of the Kingdom of Cambodia, received here at the National Assembly Palace this morning a courtesy visit from the heads of delegations attending the 16th ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), prior to the official opening ceremony.

According to the National Assembly General Secretariat, in her welcoming remarks, Samdech Khuon Sudary expressed sincere gratitude to AIPA Member Parliaments for their strong support of the Caucus. She underlined Cambodia’s efforts as host to promote meaningful dialogue and deliver concrete results, noting that open and honest exchanges are essential for building trust among regional parliamentarians.

Samdech also expressed her hope that delegates would enjoy a memorable stay in Phnom Penh, emphasising the value of personal connections and mutual understanding as the foundation for international cooperation and community-building.

Highlighting AIPA’s development over the years, the President noted the association’s key achievements in enhancing its role in regional and international affairs. However, she stressed the need for continued engagement to further strengthen AIPA’s institutional relevance.

“AIPA must continue to work closely with ASEAN, observer parliaments, and other international partners to remain effective and responsive in a rapidly evolving global context,” she said.

Against the backdrop of ongoing geopolitical shifts, Samdech Khuon Sudary noted that the international system is becoming increasingly fragmented. In this context, she stressed the growing importance of ASEAN as a force for peace, stability, and inclusive development in the region.

Referring to a recent lecture delivered by Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta, she reiterated ASEAN’s rising global role, noting its large population and position as the world’s fourth-largest economic bloc.

“As the global order shifts toward multipolarity, ASEAN must assume greater responsibility in shaping a fairer and more stable international system,” she said.

She further emphasised the importance of ASEAN unity and centrality in maintaining the bloc’s strategic role as a convener, broker, and agenda setter in regional diplomacy.

“Cambodia remains fully and consistently committed to supporting ASEAN unity and centrality,” the National Assembly President affirmed.

Samdech Khuon Sudary extended her best wishes for the success of the delegates’ discussions and expressed her anticipation of meeting them again at the opening ceremony and farewell reception of the 16th AIPA Caucus.

AKP