Kuala lumpur: A high-level Cambodian parliamentary delegation, led by Samdech Maha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary, President of the National Assembly, took part in the opening ceremony of the 46th ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA-46) General Assembly on Thursday in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the ceremony was presided over by H.E. Datuk Mutang Tagal, President of the Malaysian Senate, and H.E. Tan Sri Dato' (Dr.) Johari Bin Abdul, President of AIPA-46 and Speaker of the House of Representatives of Malaysia, with the participation of H.E. Dato' Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia. The assembly, held under the theme 'Parliament at the Forefront for Inclusive Growth and Sustainable ASEAN', gathered parliamentary leaders from ASEAN member states, observer parliaments, and AIPA partners, welcoming around 900 delegates.
AIPA, as the parliamentary forum of ASEAN, represents nearly 700 million people and plays a key role in realising the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 of a united, peaceful, and prosperous region. In his opening remarks, Dr. Johari noted that the theme aligns with ASEAN's 46th Summit theme 'Resilience and Sustainability'. He underscored the importance of parliaments as the people's voice in addressing regional and global challenges through dialogue and peaceful means.
He also pointed out new platforms for dialogue, such as the Now and Future Forums and exhibitions, which gather policymakers, businesses, and communities to shape ASEAN's future through innovation and collaboration. These initiatives aim to foster solidarity, strengthen parliamentary mechanisms, and enhance partnerships for peace, stability, and sustainable development.
Following the opening, the General Assembly convened its first plenary session, during which Samdech Khuon Sudary was scheduled to deliver an address outlining Cambodia's perspective and initiatives to advance parliamentary diplomacy and ASEAN cooperation.