Phnom Penh, 16 May 2024 – The National Assembly (NA) of Cambodia remains open for discussion and cooperation with the EU Delegation to Cambodia, as well as for meetings between specialized commissions of the European Parliament and the Cambodian NA to enhance cooperation, exchange experiences, and foster mutual benefits.

These remarks were made by Khuon Sudary, President of the Cambodian NA, during a courtesy call by Igor Driesmans, EU Ambassador to Cambodia, at the NA Palace on May 15.

The NA president highlighted Cambodia's role as an active member within ASEAN and the Asia-Pacific framework, as well as a participant in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement. As such, Cambodia can act as a bridge to connect and strengthen cooperation between the EU, ASEAN, and the Asia-Pacific region.

Khuon Sudary praised the longstanding relations and cooperation between Cambodia and the EU since the 1990s. She expressed gratitude for the EU's technical and financial assistance, particularly the support for the USD 155 million Joint European Strategy for Development Cooperation with Cambodia (2021-2027), which focuses on green development and employment, education and skills development, and governance.

The Cambodian NA president took the opportunity to reaffirm Cambodia’s support for the Global Gateway project, which focuses on "green education and digital work" and aims to attract investment that will help Cambodia become a prosperous country and benefit Cambodian youth.

For his part, Igor Driesmans congratulated Khuon Sudary on her election as President of the Cambodian NA and for being the first Cambodian woman to hold such an important position.

In June, Europe will elect a new parliament, Driesmans noted, expressing hope that the European Parliament and the Cambodian NA will achieve better and deeper cooperation.

Both sides also exchanged views on current global challenges such as conflicts, geopolitical competition, public health issues, climate change, and epidemics, acknowledging the importance of strengthening rules-based multilateralism and promoting international cooperation.