ASEAN Tour: Johari Holds Meeting With Cambodian Leaders

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 17 (Bernama) -- Dewan Rakyat speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul, who is on an official tour of ASEAN member countries, has held a meeting with Cambodia’s top leaders during his visit to the country.

According to a statement from the Malaysian Parliament today, Johari met with President of the Cambodian National Assembly Samdech Maha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Santepundit Neth Savoeun and President of the Cambodian Senate Hun Sen.

“This visit is part of the ongoing ASEAN Tour, aimed at strengthening the Malaysian Parliament’s preparations for chairing the 46th ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) this year,” it said.

During the meeting with Khuon Sudary, the two leaders discussed various regional issues, including deepening cooperation between ASEAN parliaments through the exchange of MPs.

The leaders also addressed the strengthening of Malaysia-Cambodia bilateral ties and the important role of legislative diplomacy in tackling global challenges such as food security, renewable energy, and digital innovation.

“The meeting with Hun Sen provided an opportunity to elaborate on efforts to strengthen diplomatic and legislative relations between the two countries.

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“Both leaders shared the same view that an exchange programme between Malaysian and Cambodian students should be established to foster mutual understanding and appreciation of each other’s history and cultural heritage.

“Such an effort will not only strengthen relations at the grassroots level but also foster unity and understanding among the young generation of ASEAN,” said the statement.

Meanwhile, the meeting with Neth Savoeun revolved around regional strategic issues, including ASEAN peace and security, as well as cooperation in sustainable development.

“Both parties also acknowledged the importance of a close relationship between the executive and legislative branches in realising the regional agenda. The Dewan Rakyat speaker also proposed to Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister that both nations collaborate to develop the tourism sector to strengthen economic and cultural relations.

“By leveraging the unique tourist destinations and the beauty of their respective cultural heritage, this collaboration is capable of boosting ASEAN region’s attractiveness as a preferred global destination,” according to the statement.

Johari, who is also the 46th AIPA president, highlighted Malaysia’s commitment to ensuring AIPA’s success and extended an invitation to Cambodian leaders to visit Kuala Lumpur this September.

-- BERNAMA