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Cambodia-India National Assembly Jointly Strengthens Parliamentary Economic, Social and Cultural Cooperation

PHNOM PENH: The President of the National Assembly of Cambodia, Heng Samrin, and the Speaker of the lower house of Indian parliament, Om Birla, have jointly committed to deepening the friendship and cooperation between the Cambodia and Indian parliaments. They both agreed that some areas should be deepened in both bilateral and international frameworks. The two sides also pledged to boost economic, trade, tourism and cultural cooperation between the two countries. These commitments were made during Speaker Om Birla’s visit to Cambodia from 21 to 24 April 2022.

In a working meeting between National Assembly President Heng Samrin and Speaker Om Birla on Friday morning, the leaders of the National Assembly of Cambodia and the Indian speaker’s accompanying delegation, together expressed their happiness over the achievements made during the 70-year long history of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

National Assembly President, Heng Samrin, said that the current visit of Speaker Om Birla has given honor and historical significance to Cambodia, reflecting especially on the continued strengthening of relations, friendship, solidarity and cooperation between Cambodia and India.

He further added that since the first legislature was passed in Cambodia, the National Assembly has continued to strengthen parliamentary diplomatic relations through bilateral and multilateral cooperation with regional and global parliaments in order to contribute to peace, stability and development in the regional and global framework.

The National Assembly of Cambodia has established a Parliamentary Friendship Group with more than 100 parliaments around the world, including the Parliament of India, in order to promote friendly relations and bilateral cooperation for mutual benefit.

During the meeting, Speaker Om Birla also expressed his support for the remarks made by National Assembly President Heng Samrin, and emphasized that through regular dialogue between leaders, the historical ties between Cambodia and India have been deepened. He emphasized that India attaches great importance to relations with Cambodia, contributing to many Indian-led development projects in Cambodia, in the sectors of health, agriculture and technology, all of which have benefited the Cambodian people.

He also cordially invited President Heng Samrin to visit India in the near future. The National Assembly President accepted the request and further invited the Indian Parliamentary delegation to attend the 43rd AIPA General Assembly, which will be hosted by the Cambodian Parliament in November as an Observer Assembly.

National Assembly President Heng Samrin also requested the Indian side to expedite the establishment of a free trade agreement between Cambodia and India, to continue to support human resource training in Cambodia and to also assist in cooperation in the conservation and restoration of cultural heritage sites, urging the Government of India to partake in the restoration process of the Bayon Temple and Preah Vihear Temple, particularly since India is the co-chair of the ICC-Preah Vihear.

In response, Speaker Om Birla accepted the request of President Heng Samrin and promised to give a positive final answer through the Indian Ambassador to Cambodia in the future.

India was one of the few countries in the world that recognized the People's Republic of Kampuchea and opened an Embassy in Cambodia in 1981. The people of Cambodia and India also have historical ties with similar cultures, beliefs and religions. The visit of Speaker Om Birla signals a strengthening of the good relations, solidarity and cooperation between the two countries.



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