Phnom penh: Samdech Maha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary, President of the National Assembly of Cambodia, engaged in a bilateral meeting with Hon. Madam Maria Fernanda Lay, Speaker of the National Parliament of Timor-Leste, at the National Assembly Palace. This meeting took place on the sidelines of the 16th ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) Caucus.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, Samdech Khuon Sudary warmly welcomed the Timorese delegation, underscoring the mutual commitment of both nations to advance parliamentary diplomacy and regional solidarity. She highlighted the progress in Cambodia-Timor-Leste relations since their inception in 2002, emphasizing that high-level exchanges have fostered mutual understanding and shared developmental objectives.
Recollections of past diplomatic visits, including the 2025 visit by Samdech Techo Hun Sen to Timor-Leste and the 2022 visit of Hon. Jos© Ramos-Horta to Cambodia, were noted as pivotal in laying the groundwork for further engagement. Samdech Khuon Sudary suggested enhancing cooperation in food and energy security, citing Cambodia's export of 4,000 tonnes of rice to Timor-Leste in 2024 and Timor-Leste's potential in the energy sector.
The discussion centered on peace and development, with Samdech Khuon Sudary attributing Cambodia's achievements to sustained peace and international collaboration. She reiterated Cambodia's support for Timor-Leste's ASEAN accession, confident of its membership by the end of 2025, which would be followed by full AIPA membership.
Madam Maria Fernanda Lay expressed gratitude for Cambodia's hospitality and praised its post-conflict recovery. She emphasized the importance of cooperation among smaller nations for regional peace and improved livelihoods. Both leaders discussed mutual respect, cultural understanding, and people-centered development, with Samdech Khuon Sudary highlighting the need for democracy to evolve uniquely within each country's context.
Trade and cooperation were key topics, with proposals for expediting a bilateral trade agreement, enhancing parliamentary exchanges, and fostering collaboration in administration and security. Cambodia's commitment to offering scholarships to Timorese students was also reaffirmed.
Tourism and connectivity were identified as areas for development, with suggestions for direct flights to boost tourism and strengthen ties. On regional matters, Samdech Khuon Sudary expressed concerns over Thailand's closure of border crossings, advocating for peaceful resolution through dialogue.
The meeting concluded with an invitation for the Timorese Speaker to attend the Global Conference of Women Speakers of Parliament in Geneva. The emphasis was on gender equality and women's leadership in strengthening societies and nations. Both leaders reaffirmed their dedication to promoting bilateral relations and regional cooperation.