Phnom penh: 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 emphasized the theme of this year's meeting, 'Peace Through Dialogue: The Parliamentary Path Forward,' as crucial for parliamentary engagement in addressing complex geopolitical and socio-economic challenges.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, Dr. Cheam Yeap noted that this is the second time Cambodia has hosted the AIPA Caucus, highlighting the forum as a platform for AIPA Member Parliaments to share experiences in legislation, policy development, and regional cooperation. He emphasized that such exchanges contribute to legal harmonization and the advancement of the ASEAN Community.
Dr. Cheam Yeap further underscored the significance of the participation of observer parliaments and partner institutions, marking it as a milestone for AIPA. He welcomed their involvement as a testament to inclusiveness and the rule of law, expressing hope for a productive stay for delegates in Cambodia.
Addressing global challenges, he pointed out the growing geopolitical rivalries, armed conflicts, and economic uncertainties exacerbated by non-traditional security threats like climate change, cybercrime, and health challenges. These, he remarked, pose significant risks to peace and development on both regional and global scales.
In response, Hon. Kittisethabindit called for collective efforts to uphold multilateralism and international law, stressing the importance of reinforcing rules-based international cooperation and resisting unilateral actions that could destabilize the global order.
He reiterated Cambodia's dedication to peacebuilding, citing the country's post-conflict experience and the successful implementation of the Win-Win Policy led by Samdech Techo Hun Sen in 1998 as an example of effective 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 are also set to exchange best practices in parliamentary diplomacy.
Dr. Cheam Yeap expressed hope that these exchanges would bolster inter-parliamentary cooperation and contribute to enduring peace and prosperity in the region. He concluded by wishing the 16th AIPA Caucus success, expressing confidence that the meeting would yield constructive outcomes in support of ASEAN solidarity and regional collaboration.