AKP Phnom Penh, March 09, 2026 -- Cambodian and South Korean lawmakers pledged Monday to strengthen parliamentary diplomacy and deepen strategic cooperation, underscoring a 55-year friendship between the two countries.

H.E. Kitti Sethapundit Cheam Yeap, First Vice President of Cambodia’s National Assembly, met a delegation from South Korea’s National Assembly led by H.E. Yoon Hu-duk, Chair of the Korea-Cambodia Parliamentary Friendship Group, during talks held at the National Assembly Palace in Phnom Penh.

Both sides expressed pride in the steady development of bilateral ties, which have been elevated to a “strategic partnership,” and agreed to further enhance parliamentary diplomacy through exchanges at all levels. They said such engagement would help strengthen trust and address global challenges amid rising geopolitical tensions.

H.E. Cheam Yeap, who represented Samdech Maha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary, President of Cambodia’s National Assembly, said the relationship between Cambodia and South Korea has been built on mutual trust, respect and shared benefits, bringing prosperity to the peoples of both nations.

He also briefed the Korean delegation on developments within Cambodia’s legislature during its seventh mandate, highlighting the historic leadership of Samdech Khuon Sudary as the first woman to serve as President of the National Assembly.

During the meeting, H.E. Cheam Yeap also called on the South Korean government to review the conditions surrounding the sale of fighter aircraft to Thailand, saying careful consideration would help safeguard regional peace and prevent the potential use of such weapons in acts of aggression.

He reiterated Cambodia’s firm stance on maintaining peaceful relations with neighbouring countries, including Thailand, while stressing that Cambodia strongly rejects any acts of aggression or the use of armed force against its territory.

The talks also covered a range of cooperation areas. On infrastructure, Cambodia requested South Korea’s support in accelerating the construction of the Cambodia-Republic of Korea Friendship Bridge, described as a symbol of strong bilateral ties.

In economic cooperation, the Korean side asked Cambodia to continue facilitating operations for more than 200 South Korean companies currently operating in the country, while pledging to encourage more Korean investors and tourists to visit Cambodia.

On labour and education, Cambodia requested an expansion of employment opportunities for Cambodian workers in South Korea and additional technical scholarships for Cambodian students in line with the Royal Government’s Pentagonal Strategy.

Cambodia also reaffirmed its strong commitment to combating transnational crime and online scams.

H.E. Yoon Hu-duk praised Cambodia’s rapid development and pledged to encourage the South Korean government to continue safeguarding the rights and interests of Cambodian workers in South Korea.

The meeting concluded in a cordial atmosphere, with both sides expressing confidence that stronger parliamentary ties would further advance bilateral relations and contribute to regional and global stability.

By K. Rithy Reak