AKP Phnom Penh, February 18, 2026 --

Cambodia is positioning itself as a central hub for regional and global legislative dialogue, with the National Assembly on Wednesday finalising preparations to host a series of high-level diplomatic events throughout 2026.

The General Secretariat of the National Assembly convened a high-level technical session to coordinate the substantive and logistical frameworks for an ambitious international calendar. 

Central to this agenda is Cambodia’s participation in the 47th ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) in the Philippines, alongside its role as host for several major forums in Phnom Penh later that year.

Chaired by Secretary-General H.E. Leng Penglong and Permanent Deputy Secretary-General H.E. Dr. Keo Piseth, the meeting reviewed 32 scheduled programmes designed to align with the ASEAN Vision 2045. The 2026 agenda focuses on leveraging parliamentary diplomacy to address cross-border challenges, including: Hosting the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum on Global Health and a regional summit on food security frameworks; A national workshop on climate change, supported by the ASEAN Secretariat and the Tara Climate Foundation, aimed at integrating legislative policy with environmental sustainability; Hosting the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Speakers’ Conference, a top-tier global platform for heads of parliament to coordinate on peace, security, and international law.

The legislative push is being spearheaded by Senate President Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen and National Assembly President Samdech Maha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary. Officials stated the initiative aims to showcase Cambodia’s "genuine commitment to promoting peace, stability, and democracy" through the exchange of best practices and adherence to international legal mechanisms.

Cambodia, a member of AIPA since 1999, has previously chaired the General Assembly three times. Analysts view the 2026 calendar as a strategic effort by the Kingdom to transition from a regional participant to a proactive architect of Southeast Asian policy.

The National Assembly confirmed that its primary objective remains "maximising the benefits of parliamentary diplomacy to serve national interests and the welfare of the people" while ensuring the ASEAN community moves toward greater harmonisation.

By K. Rithy Reak