AKP Phnom Penh, May 12, 2026 --
The National Assembly of Cambodia convened an extraordinary session of the 7th Legislature on May 12 to deliberate and approve two important draft laws aimed at strengthening Cambodia’s national defence capacity and ensuring sustainable energy security. 
The session was presided over by Samdech Maha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary, President of the National Assembly, and attended by 114 lawmakers.
In her opening remarks, she reaffirmed Cambodia’s principled stance on peace and rule-based diplomacy. 
“The Royal Government remains firmly committed to resolving disputes peacefully through existing mechanisms based on international law and mutual agreements,” she said. 
The Assembly unanimously approved both draft laws, reflecting strong national consensus on issues considered vital to the supreme interests of the nation and the Cambodian people. 
The first agenda item focused on the Draft Law on Military Conscription, consisting of 8 chapters and 20 articles, which was unanimously adopted with 114 out of 114 votes in favor. 
The draft law was prepared in accordance with Article 49 (new) of the Constitution and the Royal Government’s policy to modernise and strengthen Cambodia’s national defence framework while promoting youth development and patriotism. 
Under the law, Cambodian male citizens aged between 18 and 25 are required to fulfill Military Conscription obligations for a period of 24 months, while women may participate voluntarily.
Cambodian citizens holding dual nationality and residing in Cambodia are also subject to the military service obligation. 
The draft law also highlights broader national development objectives beyond defence. Youth undergoing military service will receive physical training, patriotism education, discipline building, and financial allowances during their service period. 
Upon completion, they will benefit from priority opportunities in state institutions, public and private enterprises, technical and vocational training, continued education, and overseas employment opportunities. 
During the session, Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet strongly expressed support for the draft law, emphasising that Cambodia must continue modernising its defence sector in response to emerging regional and global developments. 
“Cambodia must continue reform and modernisation of the national defence sector, with emphasis on institutional reform, workforce modernisation, and equipment development at all levels,” Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet stated. 
He added that the world is entering “a new phase marked by border tensions, economic competition, and increasingly intense technological rivalry,” which requires Cambodia to strengthen its national capabilities to preserve peace and sovereignty. 
“We must strengthen our capacity to preserve peace and safeguard territorial integrity and national sovereignty,” the Prime Minister stressed.
Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet also highlighted that military conscription contributes not only to defence readiness but also to youth development and national unity. 
“To build a strong and prosperous nation, every citizen must strive to develop themselves into valuable national human resources,” he said. 
Drawing on international experiences, Samdech Thipadei Prime Minister noted that many countries have adopted different military conscription models to balance civilian life and national security responsibilities. 
“A system where every citizen can become a soldier through regular training helps maintain balance between civilian life and national security responsibilities,” he said, while citing examples from Singapore and other countries that implement compulsory service systems. 
On peace and self-reliance, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet emphasised that Cambodia must rely primarily on its own strength to protect national sovereignty. 
“Peace cannot be achieved through begging from others.

No one can fully protect us at all times except ourselves,” the Prime Minister stated. 
Following the approval of the Military Conscription law, the National Assembly proceeded to discuss and unanimously adopt the Draft Law on the Approval of the Royal Government of Cambodia’s Payment Guarantee to Vietnam Electricity (EVN) for the purchase of electricity from Vietnam. 
The draft law, consisting of three articles, serves as an important legal instrument to ensure sustainable electricity supply in Cambodia in accordance with the agreement signed on Jan. 30, 2026 between Electricité du Cambodge (EDC) and Vietnam Electricity. 
The extraordinary session concluded with Samdech Khuon Sudary officially declaring the closure of the session after lawmakers achieved fruitful outcomes on the two important legislative agenda items. 
In her closing remarks, she praised the spirit of responsibility and unity demonstrated by lawmakers in carrying out their constitutional duties in the supreme interests of the nation and the Cambodian people, adding: 
“The National Assembly calls on all Cambodian citizens, both inside and outside the country, to remain united in support of the Royal Government’s peaceful and wise approach in safeguarding national interests.” 
The adoption of both draft laws reflects Cambodia’s continued commitment to strengthening national defence readiness, preserving peace and sovereignty, and advancing sustainable socio-economic development in an increasingly complex regional and global environment.

By Chea Vannak