PHNOM PENH: The National Assembly of the Kingdom of Cambodia will host the 11th Asia-Europe Parliamentary Partnership Meeting (ASEP11) on 16 November 2021, under the theme “Strengthening Parliamentary Partnership for Peace and Sustainable Development in the Era of COVID-19 and Beyond”.

The Asia-Europe Parliamentary Partnership Meeting is an important part of the 13th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM13), which the Government of Cambodia will also host at the end of November. ASEP11 will act as an important forum for promoting dialogue and cooperation between Asia and Europe, and will focus on strengthening partnerships to promote peace, security and sustainable social progress.

The organization of these two major events, ASEP11 and ASEM13, proves Cambodia’s growing role in the international arena and highlights the country’s active contribution to the foreign sector in strengthening the culture of dialogue, peacekeeping, and promoting multilateralism and the maintenance of international order.

A core part of the discussions at ASEP11 will revolve around the challenges faced by citizens both locally and globally, including general talks on trade, insecurity, economy, environment, society and the effects of the pandemic. ASEP11 will provide an opportunity for Cambodia to present its rich culture, traditions and customs to the international community, and attract both tourists and investors to visit and invest more in the country, which is finally opening up after almost 2 years of facing the COVID-19 crisis.

The opening ceremony of ASEP11 will be held on the afternoon of 16th November, on behalf of the President of the Senate, and the President of the National Assembly, who is also the Co-Chair of the meeting. On behalf of the Royal Government, Prime Minister Hun Sen will deliver his official opening remarks and additional keynote speeches.

Leaders and parliamentarians from over 30 countries and partner institutions in Asia and Europe are expected to gather at this important meeting.