AKP Phnom Penh, May 23, 2025 -- 

Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate of the Kingdom of Cambodia, has expressed his support for the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC) to become a future observer member of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA).

His endorsement came during a meeting with visiting H.E. Ek Nath Dhakal, Secretary-General of the ISC, at the Senate Palace in Phnom Penh this morning, according to H.E. Chea Thirith, Spokesperson for the Senate.

The Senate President described the establishment of the ISC, which aims to promote peace, as both timely and appropriate—particularly in a context where the influence of other international organisations is diminishing amid a rapidly evolving global landscape.

Samdech Techo Hun Sen underscored the crucial role of parliaments in addressing national and regional challenges. He emphasised that the creation of a parliamentary mechanism such as the ISC could help fill gaps left by other bodies. He also mentioned about his proposal to establish an ASEAN Senate Forum, introduced during his recent visit to Indonesia.

In this spirit, he voiced support for broader cooperation between the ISC and other institutions, including ASEAN. He further advised the ISC to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of its operations by strengthening the role of its Secretary-General and Secretariat—an idea he had previously shared during a lecture at the ASEAN Secretariat.

During the meeting, H.E. Ek Nath Dhakal presented Samdech Techo with the ISC founding member badge and expressed gratitude for Cambodia’s support in establishing the ISC. He also appreciated the participation of Samdech Maha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary, President of the National Assembly, at the ISC meeting held in Seoul, Republic of Korea, in April 2025.

The Secretary-General briefed the Senate President on the ISC’s tasks and strategic direction, reaffirming its commitment to advancing parliamentary diplomacy and expanding cooperation with institutions such as AIPA.

By C. Nika