Cambodia Hosts Parliamentary Conference, Urging Peace and Adherence to International Law

The second Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC-2) concluded in Phnom Penh, bringing together parliamentary speakers and officials from dozens of countries and several international organizations. On Friday, the conference adopted the Phnom Penh Declaration, reaffirming participating parliaments’ commitment to international law and the peaceful settlement of disputes amid growing global conflicts and geopolitical tensions. The declaration’s adoption came after Prime Minister Hun Manet and his father, Senate President Hun Sen, accused Thailand of continued encroachment on Cambodian territory, with Hun Sen branding it a form of “discredit warfare.” The declaration calls on participating countries to uphold international law to resolve disputes through peaceful means. It also stresses the importance of parliamentary diplomacy. Asked about Cambodia-Thailand border tensions, ISC Secretary-General Ek Nath Dhakal said the organization does not directly intervene in conflicts but “provides a platform for dialogue among parliamentary leaders and representatives.” ISC Ambassador Misbah Khar said the organization could serve as a “moral compass” and political platform for countries in conflict. “We do understand this is a very core issue for Cambodia,” Khar said, referring to the border dispute. She said the participation of around 45 countries in signing a declaration focused on peace, security and development sends a strong message to neighboring countries that disputes should be resolved through dialogue rather than conflict. Ties between Cambodia and Thailand have remained strained since deadly border clashes last year. Cambodia has often pushed to resolve the dispute through international mechanisms, while Thailand has accused Phnom Penh of “internationalizing” the issue. Cambodian National Assembly member Suos Yara called on conference delegates to work toward establishing a global ceasefire monitoring mechanism, acknowledging that doing so would take time and require support from national parliaments. The conference, which ended Friday, welcomed Indonesia as host of the third ISC in 2027.