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27th Annual Meeting, Asia Pacific Parliamentary Forum Officially Opens In Siem Reap Province


1/15/2019 10:12:19 AM

The 27th Annual Meeting of the Asia Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF-27), was officially inaugurated under the high patronage of the Cambodian top leaders, namely Samdech Akka Moha Ponhea Chakrei HENG SAMRIN, President of the National Assembly and President of the APPF-27, Samdech Vibol Sena Pheakdei SAY CHHUM, President of the Senate, and Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo HUN SEN, Prime Minister, with the participation from the parliamentary delegations from 21 member countries and observers, along with members of the Senate, the National Assembly and the Royal Government of the Kingdom of Cambodia.

The 27th Annual Meeting of the Asia Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF-27), is held under the theme of “Strengthening Parliamentary Partnership for Peace, Security and Sustainable Development”. His Majesty Preah Karuna Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath NORODOM SIHAMONI, King of Cambodia, sent a royal message congratulating the regional event. His Majesty the King said it is timely that we are all gathering here to reflect on our past experiences, to anticipate mega trends that will shape our Asia-Pacific region, and to envisage common pathways to strengthen the foundations of peace, freedom, democracy and prosperity.

On behalf of the people and the government of the Kingdom of Cambodia, I would like to extend our warmest welcome to our guest of honors and distinguished delegates of the 27th Annual Meeting of the Asia Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF-27), wrote His Majesty the King.

In his inaugural address, Samdech Akka Moha Ponhea Chakrei HENG SAMRIN, President of the National Assembly and President of the APPF-27, expressed his strong belief that the 27th Annual Meeting and its theme are an excellent opportunity to further strengthen regional cooperation and mutual understanding while promoting peace, security and sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific and the rest of the world by adopting resolutions in response to the common aspirations of all member states.

Samdech National Assembly president stressed that this event is vital for us to combine our ideas and long-term visions towards strengthening cooperation in the current global environment amid geopolitical confrontations, regional tensions and xenophobia. Geopolitical challenges expose countries to danger if they become victims to global power games.

Meanwhile, Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo HUN SEN, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, informed the participating delegates in his opening address that Cambodia during the past 40 years was a killing field. And during the last 500 years, Cambodia has had no single government as it is today. There were two administrations in one country, and the country was once governed by four administrations. Samdech Prime Minister added that after the 7 January 1979 liberation day and since 1998, Cambodia had achieved full peace. Through the WIN-WIN policy initiated since 1998, Cambodia became a country with the monarchy, the constitution and one administration. Peace provide all possibilities for national development, emphasized Samdech Prime Minister, adding that after receiving the complete peace at the end of 1998, Cambodian economy has been progressing remarkably, starting from zero, and during the last two decades, Cambodia has been ranked number 6 among the highest and fastest growing economies in the world by achieving the average growth of 7% per annum through constant development of the main sectors, including industry, manufacturing, construction, agriculture, services, real estate, telecommunication and transport. Particularly, economic infrastructure of Cambodia is moving from agriculture to industry and services as main sectors. With regard to poverty rat, it has decreased from 53.2% in 2004 to 13.5% in 2014, and it has been forecasted to decrease to about 10% at the present.

Taking the solemn occasion, Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo HUN SEN, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, encouraged the APPF to jointly respect the role of the United Nations and the ASEAN and strictly adhere to the principle of solidarity and cooperation in the common interests of the peoples.

Japanese delegate representing H.E. Mr. Yasuhiro Nakasone, Honorary President of the APPF, also delivered an invaluable address to the ceremony.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony, H.E. Ms. Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan, President of the National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, expressed her warm congratulations to the National Assembly of the Kingdom of Cambodia on the hosting of this important event. She highlighted that the National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam actively implemented the resolutions of the APPF-26 in related areas, including resolutions on promoting parliamentary diplomacy for peace, security and prosperity in the region.  H.E. Ms. Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan lastly said that “given the full participation of member countries, along with the thorough preparations of the host country, I am confident that under the chairmanship of the President of the National Assembly of the Kingdom of Cambodia, in keeping up the spirit of unity, cooperation and active and responsible contribution of member parliaments, the 27th Annual Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF) will achieve practical outcomes and success.

Samdech Vibol Sena Pheakdei SAY CHHUM, President of the Senate of the Kingdom of Cambodia, also addressed the inaugural ceremony, expressing his warmest welcome to all delegates who come to attend the 27th Annual Meeting of the APPF in Siem Reap province. Samdech Senate President continued by saying that through active parliamentary diplomacy, we share the same purpose and goal to witness the world with peace, security and development and to build cooperation with long-term trustful partnership, mutual respect and mutual interests. Samdech president added that in this regard, the parliament of Cambodia encourages more dialogues in the spirit of cooperation within both legislative and executive frameworks as well as relevant actors involving addressing peace, migration, trade war issues and other issues on the basis of international law through existing mechanisms.

Samdech Akka Moha Ponhea Chakrei HENG SAMRIN, President of the National Assembly and President of the APPF-27, also emphasized that the Asia-Pacific not only has many people, beliefs, religions and diversity of great civilizations, but also peace and prosperity with extensive economic activity and huge markets. Furthermore, it is seen as a potential pillar for world tourism, a source of significant income that contributes to sustainable development.

Article and photos by courtesy of the Information Department