PHNOM PENH: Cambodia and Indonesia have pledged to bolster parliamentary cooperation to drive economic growth and regional stability, officials said Thursday, as bilateral trade between the Southeast Asian nations climbed past the US$1 billion mark.
In a farewell meeting at the National Assembly Palace in Phnom Penh, Cambodian National Assembly President Samdech Maha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary urged outgoing Indonesian Ambassador H.E. Santo Darmosumarto to continue championing the “people-to-people” links that serve as the foundation for the two countries’ diplomatic relations.
“Parliament represents the voice of the people,” Samdech Khuon Sudary said during the meeting. “Connecting our legislative bodies is essential to expanding cooperation in trade, tourism, and education – areas that directly impact the well-being of our citizens.”
In reply, Ambassador Darmosumarto highlighted the robust economic momentum seen during his tenure, noting that two-way trade has now exceeded US$1 billion. He reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to increasing imports from Cambodia, boosting investment, and supporting the Kingdom’s vital agricultural sector.
The envoy also pointed to the growing cultural synergy between the two nations, citing the establishment of an Indonesian alumni association for Cambodian graduates as a key platform for future collaboration.
The meeting touched on significant regional security issues, with Samdech Khuon Sudary expressing gratitude for Indonesia’s historical role in peacekeeping. She specifically lauded the Indonesian military attachés’ involvement with the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) in monitoring the Cambodia-Thailand border.
“As the largest nation in Southeast Asia, Indonesia has demonstrated exemplary leadership by adhering to international norms and the ASEAN Charter,” she said, emphasising that Jakarta’s respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all member states remains the “core spirit” of the regional bloc.
Reflecting on the border disputes between Cambodia and Thailand, both officials underscored a shared commitment to peaceful resolutions. “In war, there are no winners,” the National Assembly President remarked, “but in peace, all sides achieve victory.”
The diplomatic exchange follows high-level visits in 2025 by Cambodia’s Senate President Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen and Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet to Indonesia, signaling a sustained era of strategic partnership between the two ASEAN neighbours.