PHNOM PENH (Bernama): Parliamentarians across South-East Asia must take on a more active role in promoting diplomacy and stability amid rising geopolitical tensions.
This was the key message from top speakers at the 16th Asean Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) Caucus held in Phnom Penh, who stressed that the role of lawmakers is more crucial than ever.
Asean Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn also called on parliamentarians to champion peace and regional stability.
He said that in the interconnected yet fragmented world, sustainable peace is not merely the absence of war or conflict, but the presence of justice, understanding, and inclusivity.
"In an era marked by geopolitical tensions and proliferation of divisive narratives, the role of parliamentarians as bridge builders and peace makers has become more crucial today than before,” Kao said in his keynote remarks.
The heads of AIPA from Asean member states and Timor-Leste are participating in the two-day event, which is being held at the National Assembly hall in the capital.
"This caucus serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating true structure of dialogue, mutual respect, and sheer commitment to peaceful resolution. We can address the most complex challenges facing the region or the world,” said Kao.
The theme of the meeting is ‘Peace Through Dialogue: The Parliamentary Path Forward’ - emphasising the role of parliamentary diplomacy in achieving peace and prosperity.
Speaking at the event, Cambodia’s National Assembly President Khuon Sudary said Cambodia remains fully committed to supporting Asean unity and centrality.
"The roles of parliamentary diplomacy are increasingly critical in promoting regional and global peace efforts. By promoting dialogue, confidence-building measures, preventive diplomacy, and the peaceful settlement of disputes, we can contribute more to world peace.
"AIPA, together with observer parliaments, needs to be more proactive and bolder in promoting parliamentary diplomacy and cooperation to shore up regional and global governance while promoting a rules-based international order,” said Sudary. - Bernama
