Samdech Moha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary, President of Cambodia’s National Assembly, delivered a compelling statement at the 45th ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) General Assembly in Vientiane today.
Addressing the theme of parliamentary diplomacy and cooperation in enhancing ASEAN connectivity and inclusive growth, Samdech Khuon Sudary stressed the urgent need for collective regional action amid escalating global challenges.
In her statement, the Cambodian leader expressed deep appreciation to the Lao National Assembly for hosting the event and highlighted the importance of ASEAN’s unity in addressing volatile geopolitical competition. ‘We are at a critical juncture in world history,’ she said, pointing to growing tensions, geopolitical rivalries, and the weakening of global governance. She urged ASEAN to avoid becoming a ‘theater of geopolitical competition’ and remain united in maintaining political independence and strategic autonomy.
Samdech Khuon Sudary also emphasised ASEAN’s resp
onsibility to foster peace and stability in Myanmar, advocating for more robust and innovative approaches to help restore peace and democracy in the troubled nation. ‘ASEAN unity and centrality are crucial to regional peace and stability. We need to be bolder in helping the Myanmar people help themselves,’ she said.
During her address, the National Assembly President announced that Cambodia would host the 11th Plenary Session of the International Parliament for Tolerance and Peace (IPTP) in November. The session will promote multi-stakeholder dialogue on peace and adopt the “Peace Charter: For People and the Planet,” initiated by Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate. She extended an invitation to AIPA members to participate in the forum, which will focus on inclusive peace-building initiatives.
Touching on the economic front, Samdech Khuon Sudary called for ASEAN to deepen regional integration and connectivity to counter the ongoing trade and technology wars, as well as econom
ic fragmentation. She emphasised the need to harness the potential of green and digital economies as sources of inclusive and resilient growth, endorsing the development of the ASEAN Power Grid to support green-energy transitions and regional energy trade.
Samdech Khuon Sudary underscored the importance of inclusive digital transformation, urging that ‘no one should be left behind’ in ASEAN’s digital transition. She also highlighted climate change as a major challenge, calling for enhanced disaster preparedness and climate-resilience efforts, particularly among local communities and farmers.
She concluded by reaffirming the centrality of ASEAN in securing regional peace, prosperity, and security. She reiterated the need for AIPA to continue promoting ASEAN’s key principles, including neutrality, inclusiveness, and openness to sustain the region’s stability and collective agency on the global stage.
The AIPA General Assembly, attended by parliamentarians and dignitaries from across Southeast Asia and beyond
, serves as a key platform for dialogue on regional and international issues.
Source: Agence Kampuchea Presse