AKP Phnom Penh, July 15, 2025 --

Hon. Kittisethabindit Cheam Yeap, First Vice-President of the National Assembly of the Kingdom of Cambodia, delivered the welcome remarks at the Opening Ceremony of the 16th ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) Caucus, held on July 15 at the National Assembly Palace in Phnom Penh.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Dr. Cheam Yeap said the theme of this year’s meeting, “Peace Through Dialogue: The Parliamentary Path Forward,” reflects the need for parliamentary engagement in addressing complex geopolitical and socio-economic challenges.

He noted that this is the second time Cambodia has hosted the AIPA Caucus and said the forum serves as a platform for AIPA Member Parliaments to share experiences in legislation, policy development, and regional cooperation. Such exchanges, he added, contribute to legal harmonisation and the advancement of the ASEAN Community.

Dr. Cheam Yeap highlighted the participation of observer parliaments and partner institutions as a milestone for AIPA. He welcomed their presence as a sign of commitment to inclusiveness and the rule of law, and expressed hope that delegates would have a productive stay in Cambodia.

He said the world is currently facing growing geopolitical rivalries, armed conflicts, and economic uncertainties, compounded by non-traditional security threats such as climate change, cybercrime, and health challenges. These, he said, pose risks to peace and development at both regional and global levels.

In response, Hon. Kittisethabindit called for collective efforts to uphold multilateralism and international law. He underscored the importance of reinforcing rules-based international cooperation and resisting unilateral actions that could destabilise the global order.

He reiterated Cambodia’s commitment to peacebuilding, citing the country’s post-conflict experience and the implementation of the Win-Win Policy led by Samdech Techo Hun Sen in 1998 as an example of successful national reconciliation.

The Cambodian lawmaker encouraged the AIPA community to support the Universal Peace Charter: For People and the Planet, adopted in 2024, and to promote inclusive multilateralism based on mutual respect and shared interests.

As part of the Caucus agenda, Member Parliaments will present reports on the implementation of resolutions adopted at the 45th AIPA General Assembly held in Vientiane, Lao PDR. Delegates will also exchange best practices in parliamentary diplomacy.

Dr. Cheam Yeap expressed hope that these exchanges would strengthen inter-parliamentary cooperation and contribute to lasting peace and prosperity in the region.

He concluded by wishing the 16th AIPA Caucus success, expressing confidence that the meeting would deliver constructive outcomes in support of ASEAN solidarity and regional collaboration.

AKP