AKP Phnom Penh, August 27, 2026 --

Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet has underscored the indispensable role of peace in national development, stressing that Cambodia’s experience demonstrates how peace creates stability, stability builds confidence, confidence generates opportunities, and broadly shared opportunities strengthen social cohesion.

The Prime Minister made the remarks in his keynote address at the opening ceremony of the 2nd Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC-2), being held in Phnom Penh from Aug. 26 to 28 under the theme “Solidarity for Peace and Shared Prosperity: Strengthening International Law and Resolving Conflicts Peacefully.”

In his address, Samdech Thipadei presented the Royal Government of Cambodia’s strategic perspective on the relationship between peace, resilience, inclusive development and international cooperation.

He said Cambodia’s experience has demonstrated that peace is the essential foundation for development and that sustainable progress requires stability, confidence and opportunities that are broadly shared across society.

Against this backdrop, the Royal Government’s vision for national transformation focuses on five strategic priorities: investing in people and human capital; strengthening economic resilience; accelerating responsible digital transformation; advancing green and sustainable development; and strengthening effective governance.

The Prime Minister stressed that the vision goes beyond economic growth, aiming instead to ensure tangible improvements in people’s lives and create opportunities for future generations.

He also emphasised that Cambodia’s national development is inseparable from regional and global stability. Transnational challenges, including climate change, economic shocks, cyber threats, food insecurity and public health emergencies, require cooperation rather than isolation, he said.

Cambodia therefore remains committed to multilateralism, ASEAN centrality, dialogue, diplomacy, international law and the peaceful settlement of disputes, according to the Prime Minister.

Samdech Thipadei also highlighted the complementary roles of governments and parliaments. Governments formulate and implement policies, while parliaments legislate, represent citizens, approve resources and provide oversight and accountability.

Parliamentary diplomacy, he noted, can help maintain communication, build trust and create space for dialogue, particularly when conventional diplomatic channels face pressure.

Concluding his keynote address, Samdech Thipadei reaffirmed Cambodia’s continued support for parliamentary diplomacy, peaceful international engagement and the long-term development of the ISC.

He called for political will and practical cooperation to transform dialogue into action so that peace is preserved, development remains inclusive, technology serves humanity, economic growth is sustainable, and international cooperation continues to be anchored in international law and human dignity.

By C. Nika