Francophonie Parliament Backs Cambodia's Territorial Integrity, Urges Peaceful End to Border Conflict

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Francophonie (APF) has adopted a resolution reaffirming its unwavering support for Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, while calling for de-escalation along the Cambodia-Thailand border and urging both sides to pursue a peaceful settlement in accordance with international law. The resolution was adopted on July 11, during the APF’s 51st Annual Session in Yaoundé, Cameroon, following a proposal by the organisation’s Political Affairs Committee. It comes as Cambodia continues to seek international backing for its position on the border dispute with Thailand, which has remained tense since clashes erupted in July 2025. In the resolution, the APF reaffirmed its commitment to the principles of the Bamako and Saint Boniface Declarations, international law and the rulings of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued on June 15, 1962, and November 11, 2013, concerning the Preah Vihear Temple. It also underscored the importance of the Women, Peace and Security agenda, recognising women’s role in conflict prevention and peacebuilding. The Francophone parliamentary body expressed deep concern over continued tensions along the Cambodia-Thailand border, citing the loss of life, civilian displacement, reports of ceasefire violations and alleged infringements of Cambodia’s territorial integrity. It also voiced concern over damage to cultural and religious sites, including UNESCO World Heritage properties, and specifically noted reports of “the construction of civilian and military infrastructure, the organisation of religious ceremonies at cultural and religious sites, and land allocation initiatives within those areas”. The resolution called for strict respect for Cambodia’s sovereignty, urged all parties to refrain from unilateral actions that could escalate tensions, and encouraged full implementation of the joint statement signed by the Cambodian and Thai prime ministers in Kuala Lumpur on October 26, 2025. The APF further called for the immediate easing of tensions, renewed dialogue between the parties and the withdrawal of armed forces from disputed areas. It reaffirmed its support for existing bilateral mechanisms, particularly the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), while encouraging a peaceful resolution in accordance with international law. The assembly also supported the normalisation of relations between Cambodia and Thailand based on mutual recognition of sovereignty, territorial integrity and the inviolability of internationally recognised borders. Responding to the adoption of the resolution, Cambodia’s first vice-president of the Senate, Ouch Borith, thanked APF member delegations for endorsing the resolution on Cambodia’s territorial integrity. “This adoption is testimony to the determination of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Francophonie to stand firmly behind the fundamental principles of our organisation: respect for international law, the sovereignty of states and the peaceful settlement of disputes,” he said. Ouch added that the resolution carried significance beyond Cambodia itself. “The APF’s support sends a message to the international community about the solidarity, responsibility and mutual assistance among Francophone member states in promoting peace, respect for international law and development,” he said. Later the same day, the annual session elected Ouch as the APF’s Asia-Pacific regional representative for a two-year term from 2026 to 2028, marking a diplomatic achievement for Cambodia within the Francophone parliamentary organisation. Founded in 1967, the APF brings together parliaments and inter-parliamentary organisations from across the Francophone world. The organisation regularly adopts resolutions on political, economic and international issues and promotes parliamentary diplomacy, democracy, human rights and peaceful conflict resolution among its members.