AKP Phnom Penh, August 26, 2026 --

Samdech Maha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary, President of the National Assembly of Cambodia, received H.E. Tan Sri Dato’ Dr. Johari bin Abdul, Speaker of the House of Representatives of Malaysia, for a courtesy call and bilateral talks at the National Assembly Palace on Aug. 26.

The meeting was held on the sidelines of the Second Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC-2), hosted by Cambodia from Aug. 26 to 28.

Samdech Khuon Sudary warmly welcomed H.E. Johari and his delegation, describing Cambodia and Malaysia as longstanding friends and reliable partners. She noted that 2026 marks the 69th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, established in August 1957, with cooperation expanding across trade, investment, agriculture, energy, connectivity and technology.

Samdech expressed Cambodia’s appreciation for Malaysia’s contribution to the country’s peace process and national reconstruction following the 1991 Paris Peace Agreements. She also praised Malaysia’s role as ASEAN Chair in 2025, particularly its facilitation of dialogue that led to the immediate and unconditional Cambodia-Thailand ceasefire following the special meeting hosted by Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim in Putrajaya on July 28, 2025.

H.E. Johari thanked Samdech Khuon Sudary for the warm welcome and hospitality, saying that returning to Cambodia felt “like coming home.” He expressed Malaysia’s full support for ISC-2, stressing that parliamentary leaders have an important role in exchanging views and developing policies that can contribute to a better world.

Both sides reaffirmed the importance of maintaining the ASEAN spirit and addressing regional issues through dialogue, mutual understanding and peaceful means. Samdech Khuon Sudary emphasised that parliamentary diplomacy should promote dialogue, negotiation and respect for international law while contributing to an open, inclusive and rules-based multilateral system.

She said ISC-2’s focus on peace and international law was particularly timely amid rising global uncertainties, limited international cooperation and a widening deficit of trust.

The two leaders also welcomed the continued expansion of Cambodia-Malaysia economic ties and encouraged stronger cooperation in trade and investment, agriculture, green energy, infrastructure, science and technology, innovation and combating cybercrime. Samdech highlighted the contribution of Malaysian investment to Cambodia’s development, noting that more than 10,000 Malaysians live, work and invest in Cambodia, while many Cambodians work in Malaysia and an increasing number of Cambodian patients seek medical treatment there.

Samdech also underscored the importance of strengthening economic resilience and self-reliance while deepening international integration and connectivity. Both sides welcomed continued cooperation in education and human-resource development, including Malaysia’s support for training Cambodian officials and providing educational opportunities for Cambodian students.

The two parliaments have also maintained close cooperation through regional and international parliamentary platforms. Samdech encouraged more frequent exchanges among parliamentary leaders, specialised commissions, friendship groups and secretariats.

H.E. Johari, for his part, highlighted the importance of nurturing future leaders, particularly university students, and encouraged young people to embrace the values of peace and harmony, build friendships with neighbouring countries and participate in youth parliament programmes.

He stressed that nation-building and friendship require time and sustained effort, while both can be destroyed quickly, calling for continued efforts to promote peaceful coexistence and mutual understanding among younger generations.

By Chea Vannak