Phnom Penh (FN), Nov. 30 – At the dawn of a transformative phase, Cambodia is steering a new course in both its domestic reforms and foreign policy dynamics, following a pivotal transition in its executive and legislative leadership. In this evolving landscape, the role of parliamentary diplomacy emerges as a critical element, especially amidst escalating global geopolitical tensions and conflicts.
Parliamentary diplomacy encompasses the diverse international efforts made by parliamentarians aimed at enhancing mutual comprehension among nations, aiding in the enhancement of government oversight and people’s representation, and bolstering the democratic validity of inter-governmental organizations.
Compared to executive diplomacy, parliamentary diplomacy holds distinct benefits. These include greater adaptability in engaging with a wide range of local players and the ability to communicate more freely, even on delicate matters. This approach is reshaping the traditional view of diplomacy and helping to bridge the democratic gap in foreign policy decision-making.
Under the leadership of Samdech Khuon Sudary, Cambodia’s parliamentary diplomacy is gaining remarkable momentum. This new wave of diplomatic activism is evident in bilateral and multilateral interactions and consistent strategic narratives. Remarkably, over the past three months, she has met 24 foreign leaders and diplomats.
Cambodia’s parliamentary diplomacy was at full play when Cambodia hosted the President of the Republic of Korea’s National Assembly, Kim Jin Pyo, in early September. Both sides amicably, openly, and candidly exchanged views on regional issues of mutual interest and underscored a shared political will and commitment to boost comprehensive bilateral cooperation, particularly between the two legislatures.
Moreover, productive discussions with Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin in late September highlighted Cambodia’s dedication to nurturing its ‘good neighbor’ diplomacy. Immediate neighbors are central to Cambodia’s foreign policy strategy. To further this objective, Khuon Sudary will lead a high-level delegation to Vietnam and Lao PDR later this month to reinforce traditional ties and deepen the scope of comprehensive cooperation between Cambodia and its neighbors.
Recent interactions and dialogues with foreign leaders and diplomats, coupled with the public statements by the President of the National Assembly, highlight the evolution of Cambodia’s parliamentary diplomacy around seven key pillars. These pillars represent Cambodia’s aspirations and its commitment to contribute to international peace, harmony and prosperity- driven by a dual focus: to advance Cambodia’s core national interests and to contribute meaningfully to the broader goals of humanity.
Firstly, economic diplomacy stands at the vanguard. In an era where economies are increasingly interconnected, Cambodia’s legislature is pivotal in steering the nation towards seamless regional and global integration. This approach is not just about participating in the global economy; it’s about strategically maximizing the benefits and opportunities stemming from globalization and regionalization. By enhancing market access and competitiveness, Cambodia can position itself as a dynamic player in the international market.
The forthcoming inaugural Cambodia-Lao PDR-Vietnam Parliamentary Summit, scheduled to take place early next month in Vientiane, presents an opportunity for the Cambodian parliament to exercise its agency and leadership role. This summit aims to bolster the synergy between legislative and executive branches, enhancing their combined efforts to meet shared development goals especially in the areas of cross-border trade, investment, and tourism, the building of resilient regional supply chains particularly in the agriculture sector, and the promotion of sustainable development. This summit is set to be a landmark event in fostering regional cooperation and connectivity.
The second pillar, peace diplomacy, combines the quest for economic advancement with the preservation of peace. In a global landscape often marred by strife, Cambodia’s journey provides valuable insights for managing crises and resolving conflicts. The ‘win-win’ approach, championed by ex-Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen, serves as valuable experiences and lessons learned for others. Along this line, the National Assembly President frequently emphasizes to international colleagues that peace is a prerequisite for development, just as development is essential for sustaining peace. The parliament plays increasingly relevant role in promoting peace.
Cultural diplomacy, the third pillar, underscores the power of cultural exchanges in building bridges. In an increasingly polarized world, Cambodia is leveraging the universal language of culture to foster understanding and trust between different civilizations. This effort goes beyond mere cultural promotion; it’s about creating the relational bedrock upon which economic and political alliances can be built.
Notably, Khuon Sudary also serves as the Chairwoman of the Asian Cultural Council- a platform that she utilizes to promote culture as a cornerstone for fostering peace, spurring development, and igniting innovation. Her leadership emphasizes the vital role of cultural understanding and exchange in shaping a more harmonious, prosperous, and sustainable future.
The fourth pillar, people diplomacy, underscores the essential role of parliamentarians as the voice of the people. By emphasizing direct connections between individuals and communities, Cambodia can promote a more inclusive and participatory approach to international relations. This approach is especially crucial in today’s world, where the perspectives and voices of ordinary citizens can be overshadowed by high-level political dialogues. Cambodia’s focus on people-to-people and person-to-person diplomacy aims to ensure that the voices of the people and key stakeholders are not only heard but are also integral in shaping global discourse and world order. Inter-personal relationships and friendships especially between leaders is critical to promoting mutual understanding and trust between nations.
The fifth pillar focuses on gender equality and women’s empowerment. As the first female President of the National Assembly, she has significantly amplified her efforts to foster international cooperation, particularly among parliamentarians, to advance Sustainable Development Goal 5. Addressing the National Forum on ‘Women in Leadership and Governance’ this month, she advocated for the expansion of cross-sectoral partnerships and networks to support women in areas like capacity building and leadership development, thereby empowering them to take on more prominent roles in governance and decision-making processes.
The sixth pillar centers on the critical intersection of climate change and the water-energy-food security nexus. Recognizing the urgency of these interconnected challenges, she has emphasized the need for more robust international collaboration to address climate change through both mitigation and adaptation strategies while also advocating for stronger inter-parliamentary cooperation on climate change. This cooperation is key to effectively managing the interconnected issues of water, energy, and food security, ensuring a sustainable and resilient future.
Finally, the development of a digital parliament marks a significant leap towards good governance- which includes the principles of transparency and accountability. As Cambodia transitions into digital economy and society, the digital transformation of the legislative branch is not just a technological upgrade; it’s a commitment to more accessible, efficient, responsive, transparent and people-centered governance. By equipping parliamentary staff and lawmakers with the tools and knowledge to navigate the digital landscape, Cambodia is setting a precedent for the future of parliamentary work.
During the meeting with foreign counterparts, the National Assembly President has actively sought support and collaboration with international partners to foster the development of a digital parliament, encompassing not only the advancement of hardware and software but also the cultivation of human capital.
Cambodia’s embrace of parliamentary diplomacy under the new leadership presents a dynamic and proactive approach to international relations, while setting a precedent for how nations can engage internationally in a more inclusive, democratic, and people-centered manner.
Chheang Vannarith is President of the Asian Vision Institute (AVI) and Founder and Chairman of Angkor Social Innovation Park (ASIP).
This article was first published on Khmer Times.
=FRESH NEWS
