AKP Phnom Penh, October 28, 2025 -- Samdech Kitti Sangahapundit Men Sam An, Member of the Supreme Privy Council to His Majesty the King, today asserted that Buddhism offers "invaluable lessons" crucial for promoting peace and sustainable development in the region.

The remarks were made during her opening address at the Third Cambodia–Laos–Vietnam Buddhist Summit, held under the theme “Harmony of Buddhism for Peace and Sustainable Development” at the Cambodiana Hotel in Phnom Penh this morning.

Samdech Men Sam An, a former Deputy Prime Minister, emphasised that the summit aims to "share experiences and strengthen the role of Buddhism" in supporting political, economic, social, cultural, and religious development, with a specific focus on human capital formation.

She underscored that the gathering is a timely initiative to deepen understanding of Buddhism's core values in fostering social harmony, solidarity, friendship, and effective cooperation through the promotion of the principle of non-violence. She added that religion serves as a vital source of spiritual guidance and moral inspiration.

H.E. Dr. Chay Borin, Minister of Cults and Religious Affairs of Cambodia, noted that the summit was jointly organised by the Buddhist leadership of the three nations to celebrate the continuous growth of their traditional friendship, historical relations, and close cooperation across multiple fields, including politics, security, national defence, diplomacy, economy, trade, religion, culture, education, and tourism.

Addressing the summit, Samdech Men Sam An stressed that in Cambodia, Buddhism has been instrumental in healing psychological wounds from the past. She credited Buddhist monks with making significant contributions to the restoration of national identity and being essential in promoting reconciliation and national unity through Buddhist principles like non-violence, solidarity, and the Brahma Viharas (the Four Divine States of Mind).

By K. Rithy Reak