Phnom Penh, November 23, 2024: The 12th International Congress of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP), themed “The Search for Peace and Reconciliation,” officially closed after two days of discussions and cooperation in Cambodia from November 22 to 23, 2024. The congress was opened by Senate President Hun Sen, President of the Cambodian People’s Party and Honorary President of the Congress, and closed by Prime Minister Hun Manet, Vice President of the Party and President of the 12th ICAPP Congress. 

Held at the 7 Makara Palace, the event brought together nearly 260 delegates from 49 countries to explore ways to strengthen peace and reconciliation in the region. The ICAPP Secretary General noted that delegates expressed their appreciation to the Cambodian people, especially the Royal Government of Cambodia, for their warm welcome and excellent organization of the Assembly. 

Delegates voiced their gratitude to President of the Cambodian People’s Party  Hun Sen and Prime Minister Hun Manet for their hospitality and the successful arrangements made for the Assembly. Hussain Sayed, Co-Chair of the ICAPP Standing Committee and Special Rapporteur, highlighted Cambodia’s exemplary role in promoting peace, citing the country’s successful peace and reconciliation process that concluded in late 1998. He referred to the “Phnom Penh Declaration,” adopted at the Assembly, as a testament to Cambodia’s commitment to peace.

"Cambodia has established an international hybrid court to prosecute the Khmer Rouge leaders, to seek justice for the victims, and to provide psychological support to the Cambodian people," Sayed stated.

At the closing ceremony, various leaders reiterated the importance of collaboration and commitment to maintaining peace. Cho Jeong-sik, a member of the Standing Committee and representative of the People’s Power Party, emphasized the need for joint efforts in peacekeeping. “We must come together, cooperate in peacekeeping, and work together to seek peace and reconciliation,” he said.

Ms. Phoeung Sakona, Minister of Culture and Fine Arts and Co-Chair of the Asian Cultural Council, acknowledged significant discussions held at the council, where delegates recognized the need to connect cultures and civilizations to promote understanding and international solidarity.

Moreover, discussions regarding the tackling of fake news and strengthening public information security were highlighted by Minister of Information Neth Pheaktra. He noted the importance of combatting misinformation that can lead to division and undermine public trust, thereby hindering efforts for peace and reconciliation.

ICAPP Standing Committee Vice-Chairman Suos Yara reported that the congress included 260 delegates discussing strategies for conflict prevention and peaceful resolution, leading to the signing of the Phnom Penh Peace Declaration.

In his closing remarks, Prime Minister Hun Manet emphasized Cambodia’s transformation from a war-torn country to an active participant in maintaining world peace, stating that “peace remains an indispensable factor in all societies.” He highlighted the pivotal role of unity and leadership under the win-win policy, expressing a commitment to continue promoting peace.

Hun Manet called upon all nations and institutions to unite in the quest for lasting peace, asserting that “peace is not the responsibility of any one nation, but a shared task.” He reaffirmed his belief in ICAPP as a promising platform for enhancing stability and cooperation among Asian nations.

The conclusion of the 12th ICAPP General Assembly marks a significant milestone in Cambodia’s ongoing commitment to international dialogue and peace-building efforts.