Cambodian Deputy PM Seeks Cooperation with French Minister for Parliamentary Relations

Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister in charge of the Cabinet Office, Vongsey Vissoth, visited Paris on September 16, 2026, and held a working meeting with Laurent Panifous, the French Minister responsible for Relations with Parliament. The meeting aimed to establish connections and cooperation between Cambodia's Cabinet Office and the French ministry responsible for parliamentary relations. During the meeting, both parties exchanged views and explored best practices in fulfilling their respective functions and work methods. Discussions particularly focused on methods for coordinating with parliament and the art of facilitating relations with the legislative body. Minister Panifous highlighted the deep-rooted and historical relationship between Cambodia and France. He considered Deputy Prime Minister Vongsey Vissoth's visit as an opportunity to further strengthen institutional ties between the French Ministry responsible for Relations with Parliament and Cambodia's Cabinet Office, noting the similar functions of both institutions. Minister Panifous presented the structure, roles, and responsibilities of the French Ministry responsible for Relations with Parliament, along with its working methods and practical experience in coordinating parliamentary affairs, including agenda setting for legislative approvals requested by the government and handling parliamentary questions and answers. Deputy Prime Minister Vongsey Vissoth stated that part of the Cabinet Office's mission is similar to that of the French Ministry responsible for Relations with Parliament, which is to coordinate work between the government and the legislative institution. He affirmed that the Cabinet Office fulfills this role in the 7th legislature government, succeeding the former Ministry of Relations with the National Assembly, Senate, and Inspection in previous legislatures. He expressed that exchanging and sharing experiences and best practices from the French ministry will contribute to strengthening the effectiveness of work and relations between the government and the legislative institution, as well as between the Cabinet Office and various ministries and institutions, for the ultimate benefit of the nation and its people.