Cambodia and Myanmar Parliaments Agree to Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation

Cambodian National Assembly President Khuon Sodary met with Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing on September 11, 2026, at the National Assembly, discussing ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation and parliamentary diplomacy based on political agreements between the two nations. This meeting marked a significant occasion as both countries celebrate the 71st anniversary of their diplomatic relations (1955-2026). President Sodary highlighted the deep roots of Cambodia-Myanmar friendship, founded on shared history, culture, and Buddhist faith. She emphasized the importance of mutual respect for independence and sovereignty, and adherence to the principle of non-interference in internal affairs as fellow ASEAN members. She expressed the National Assembly's full support for the four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed earlier that day between the governments of Cambodia and Myanmar. These agreements cover the elimination of double taxation on income, promotion and reciprocal protection of investments, amendments to the cultural cooperation agreement, and cooperation in information and media sectors. Sodary stated that these legal instruments would be crucial drivers for enhancing trade, investment, cultural exchange, tourism, information dissemination, and people-to-people ties. Sodary underscored the pivotal role of "parliamentary diplomacy" in complementing executive diplomacy, suggesting that parliamentary channels can open dialogue and seek flexible solutions when executive-level relations face complexities. She proposed deepening cooperation through high-level visits, exchanges between specialized committees, strengthening the activities of Cambodia-Myanmar Friendship Groups, promoting the roles of young and women parliamentarians, and enhancing capacity building and experience sharing between the General Secretariats of both parliaments. Furthermore, she shared valuable insights on the "value of peace," drawing from Cambodia's own experiences. She asserted that "war cannot end war" and that conflict only produces losers, with women and children suffering the most. She stressed that economic development, improved livelihoods, education, and the preservation of national heritage are impossible without comprehensive peace and political stability. Only peaceful resolution of conflicts based on international law can bring true peace and national reconciliation. In response, President Min Aung Hlaing expressed his profound respect and gratitude for the warm hospitality extended by President Sodary and the Cambodian people. He congratulated Sodary on becoming the first female President of the Cambodian National Assembly and praised her leadership in promoting women's roles in politics, noting that Myanmar also promotes women's roles, including its female Vice President. President Min Aung Hlaing affirmed Myanmar's commitment to preserving and expanding traditional friendship, economic and trade cooperation, defense, people-to-people exchanges, and cooperation between the two parliaments at all levels. He fully agreed with Sodary's views on peace, stating that Myanmar is striving to restore peace, stability, and national unity, and views Cambodia as an important model country for sharing lessons on peace-building and development. On this occasion, President Min Aung Hlaing extended an official invitation to President Sodary to visit Myanmar at a mutually convenient time, with further coordination to be handled through diplomatic channels. Source: AKP Khmer