Cambodia Hails APF's Adoption of Resolution Supporting Its Territorial Integrity

H.E. Ouch Borith, First Vice President of the Senate of Cambodia, has expressed profound gratitude to all delegations of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Francophonie (APF) for adopting a resolution reaffirming strong support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Cambodia. Speaking on behalf of the Senate, the National Assembly and the Cambodian people following the resolution's adoption at the APF's 51st Annual Session in Yaoundé, Cameroon, on July 11, H.E. Ouch Borith said the decision reflects the Assembly's firm commitment to the fundamental principles of respect for international law, state sovereignty and the peaceful settlement of disputes. He stressed that the APF's endorsement sends a strong message to the international community of solidarity, responsibility and mutual support among Francophonie member states in promoting peace, respect for international law and sustainable development. He also expressed his deepest appreciation for the delegates' trust, friendship and unwavering commitment to peace, dialogue and the rule of law. The resolution, proposed by the APF Political Committee, reaffirms the Assembly's commitment to the principles of the Bamako and Saint-Boniface Declarations, international law, and the International Court of Justice's judgments of June 15, 1962 and Nov. 11, 2013. It also underscores the importance of the Women, Peace and Security agenda and the essential role of women in conflict prevention and peacebuilding. The APF expressed deep concern over the continued tensions along the Cambodia-Thailand border since July 2025, citing the loss of lives, the displacement of civilians, reported ceasefire violations, and damage to Cambodia's territorial integrity, including cultural and religious sites, some of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites. The resolution also notes reported activities in areas occupied by Thai forces, including the construction of civilian and military infrastructure, the organisation of religious ceremonies at cultural and spiritual sites, and land allocation initiatives. The Assembly called for full respect for Cambodia's sovereignty, urged all parties to refrain from unilateral actions that could heighten tensions, and called for the full implementation of the Joint Statement signed by the Prime Ministers of Cambodia and Thailand in Kuala Lumpur on Oct. 26, 2025. It further expressed profound regret over the suffering of civilians and warned that the destruction of cultural heritage – described as the common heritage of humanity – would undermine prospects for lasting peace and reconciliation. The APF called for the immediate de-escalation of tensions, the resumption of dialogue, and the withdrawal of all armed forces from disputed areas. The resolution reaffirmed support for existing bilateral mechanisms, particularly the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), and encouraged the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law. It also supported the normalisation of relations between Cambodia and Thailand based on mutual respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, the inviolability of borders, and border delimitation in line with international legal instruments. During the same session, H.E. Ouch Borith was elected as the APF's Asia-Pacific Regional Representative for the 2026-2028 term. By C. Nika