Samdech Maha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary, President of the National Assembly of Cambodia, presided over a public forum on “Cambodia’s Foreign Affairs Outcomes and the Current Global Context,” held here on May 21 at the National Assembly Palace.
The high-level forum gathered around 300 participants, including H.E. Prak Sokhonn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs; Members of the National Assembly and Senate, and senior officials from government ministries and the National Assembly Secretariat-General.
In her opening remarks, Samdech Khuon Sudary welcomed the event as a timely platform for dialogue between the legislative and executive branches to review Cambodia’s foreign policy progress in the face of a rapidly evolving global environment characterised by complexity, uncertainty, and volatility.
She highlighted the National Assembly’s continued cooperation with key stakeholders, particularly government ministries and institutions, through public forums, consultations, and workshops aimed at collecting diverse views and recommendations for more effective and integrated foreign policy strategies.
Samdech emphasised that parliamentary diplomacy has become a key priority under the 7th Legislature, complementing the Senate’s role under the leadership of Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen.
“Parliamentary diplomacy plays a vital role in strengthening Cambodia’s global standing by promoting dialogue for peace, addressing global challenges, and deepening people-to-people ties with a people-centred approach,” she stated.
Samdech expressed strong confidence that Cambodia is moving in the right direction in foreign affairs, attributing the country’s progress to strategic leadership, clear planning, strong institutions, and smart diplomacy—all of which help safeguard the nation’s core interests: peace, security, stability, national identity, and prosperity.
She also praised the growing capacity and professionalism of Cambodian diplomats, calling it a key pillar in advancing national interests and defending sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence on the global stage.
“This forum is a valuable opportunity to evaluate Cambodia’s engagement with international and regional partners,” Samdech said.
“It will serve as a foundation for shaping future strategies and strengthening Cambodia’s role in promoting peace and development both regionally and globally,” she added.
“I firmly believe this workshop will lead to deeper understanding, actionable recommendations, and a shared vision for Cambodia’s foreign policy—helping the country navigate global challenges while fostering win-win partnerships,” she added.
Samdech stressed the importance of inclusive policymaking and expressed hope that the forum would generate innovative ideas and coordinated approaches to guide Cambodia’s foreign policy amid rising major power competition and uncertainty.
She further noted the forum’s importance in equipping lawmakers with current global insights, which would support Cambodia’s parliamentary diplomacy in advancing national interests.
“In these times of growing global complexity and uncertainty, we must reinforce national unity and internal consensus, as domestic factor remains the defining factor. This is in line with the argument “foreign policy begins at home,” she said.
