AKP Phnom Penh, February 19, 2026 —

A high-level Cambodian delegation joined international dignitaries in Manila this week to attend the state funeral of Jose de Venecia Jr., the former Philippine House Speaker and Founding and Emeritus Chairman of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP).

De Venecia, a central figure in Asian diplomacy, died Feb. 10 at the age of 89.

The Cambodian delegation, representing the Kingdom’s top leadership, participated in a series of official rites to honour a man widely regarded by Phnom Penh as a "close friend" and a pivotal architect of regional cooperation.

On Feb. 17, H.E. Suos Yara, chairman of the National Assembly’s Commission on Foreign Affairs and an ICAPP Vice President, and H.E. Sok Soken, Minister of Inspection and representative of the Cambodian People’s Party in the ICAPP Youth Wing, personally delivered condolences to the late statesman’s widow, Gina de Venecia, and the bereaved family.

The delegation conveyed official letters of sympathy from Cambodia’s top leaders, including Senate President Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, National Assembly President Samdech Maha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary, and Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet. The Prime Minister notably serves as the President of the 12th ICAPP General Assembly, a body H.E. De Venecia established to bridge ideological divides across the continent.

On Wednesday, the Cambodian representatives stood alongside ICAPP Chairman Chung Eui-yong and Co-Chairman Mushahid Hussain Sayed for the official interment ceremony at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (Heroes' Cemetery).

In a series of tributes, Cambodian leaders characterised H.E. De Venecia as an "Asian elder statesman" whose career was defined by a commitment to peace and political reconciliation.

"His vision for a unified Asian dialogue transformed how diverse political parties interact," the delegation noted in a statement, emphasising that H.E. De Venecia’s legacy would continue to guide the pursuit of a "prosperous Asian century."

Beyond his regional impact, H.E. De Venecia was credited with significantly strengthening the bilateral ties between Cambodia and the Philippines, fostering a period of increased diplomatic and personal cooperation between the two nations.

By K. Rithy Reak