Cambodia Reaffirms Commitment to Territorial Integrity and Dialogue for Dispute Resolution

Mr. Uch Borrith, First Vice-President of the Senate of the Kingdom of Cambodia, and President of the Francophone Parliamentary Assembly (APF), reaffirmed Cambodia's firm commitment to defending its sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. He stated that no border can be altered by force, coercion, or unilateral creation of a de facto situation. This declaration was made during his address at the 51st Plenary Session of the APF in Yaoundé, Cameroon, on July 10, 2026, under the theme: "Multilateralism and State Sovereignty." Mr. Borrith highlighted recent events along Cambodia's western border as a "most regrettable practical example." He noted that international agreements are losing their value and credibility unilaterally due to a lack of good faith. He also pointed out that decisions of international justice courts are being questioned, or overlooked, and that borders defined by international law are being violated or destroyed through unilateral de facto situations. He questioned the value of statements claiming a commitment to building mutual trust, respecting international law and the UN Charter, and seeking peaceful and lasting solutions, when such actions occur. Mr. Borrith emphasized that these actions not only violate the sovereignty or legitimate interests of a state but also shake confidence in the international legal order, which everyone has a shared duty to protect and preserve. Sovereignty, he argued, cannot be used as a pretext to disregard common rules or evade freely undertaken commitments. Instead, sovereignty entails the responsibility to respect international law, the UN Charter, and obligations under international treaties. He asserted that it is precisely because states possess sovereignty that they freely choose to cooperate, enter into agreements, and resolve disputes through peaceful means as stipulated in international law, rather than resorting to threats, coercion, or the use of force. For Cambodia, a nation with a history of tragedy and struggle for national existence, sovereignty and territorial integrity are non-negotiable fundamental principles. They are central to national identity, independence, and the dignity of the Cambodian people. Cambodia remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding international law, defending its sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, and promoting dialogue and peaceful mechanisms for dispute resolution, as no border can be changed by force, coercion, or unilateral actions.