PHNOM PENH: The eleventh Asia-Europe Parliamentary Partnership Meeting was held virtually on Tuesday under the theme “Strengthening Parliamentary Partnership for Peace and Sustainable Development in the Era of Covid-19 and Beyond”. The meeting was co-chaired by the National Assembly of Cambodia and the Senate of the Kingdom of Cambodia. During the closing remark on Tuesday evening, National Assembly President Say Chhum has highlighted on the importance of multilateralism dialogue in addressing global issues such as Covid-19 and the climate crises.

President of the Senate of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Say Chhum, has underscored the importance of ASEP’s role in promoting peaceful dialogues with respect to international law and sovereignty between nations as well as improving global public health, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic era. At the National Assembly, President Heng Samrin has reiterated the importance of multilateralism dialogue in addressing global issues. Both President has called on all Head Parliamentary members to enhance dialogues for a post-pandemic economic recovery.

Vice-President of the European Parliament and Former President of ASEP10, Heidi Hautala, has called for a highly political respect and commitment in order to overcome global issues at present which might increase in the near future, such as what he called a “climate pandemic”.

Prime Minister Hun Sen and Chair of the 13th ASEM Summit, has stressed the importance of the Asia-Europe Parliamentary Partnership promoting a trust-based cooperation between the nations.

The heads of parliament have also urged ASEM members to cooperate more intensively on the production and distribution of Covid-19 vaccines, supporting the work of the World Health Organization and has given its condolences for all families who have lost someone due to the pandemic.

ASEP11 delegates have also shown commitment to strengthen the cooperation between the private sectors, especially on behalf of foreigner investment on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in global production networks and supply chains. They believe that Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises have an important role in the context of post-pandemic socio-economic recovery.

Educational and Academic exchanges were also discussed during the meeting, with Asia-Europe members committed to further support the creation of a cultural corridor between the regions, encouraging the nations to create inter-regional virtual museums.

The tourism sector was also acknowledged as a vital role for the livelihood of all citizens in Asia-Europe nations, with ASEP11 called ASEM partners to their upmost efforts to stabilize an international tourism. Climate issues were also addressed, with ASEP11 reaffirming its commitment to fully implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Cambodia will also host the Asia Europe Meeting or ASEM13 on 25-26 November.