Background
On February 10, 2026, His Excellency Kitti Setha Bandith Cheam Yeap, First Vice President of the National Assembly of Cambodia, presided over a meeting to promote the annual work plan of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) for 2026. The meeting included AIPA representatives, senior officials of the National Assembly Secretariat, and focused on key agendas, responsibilities of various AIPA commissions, and preparations for international inter-parliamentary meetings throughout 2026.
Established as a parliamentary cooperation platform since 1975, AIPA evolved into the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Organization (AIPO) in 1977. Cambodia joined as a special observer in 1997 and became a full member in 1999, with the organization officially assuming the name “ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA)” in 2006. Cambodia has hosted AIPA General Assemblies three times (2004, 2011, and 2022) and numerous key meetings such as the AIPA Council on Drugs (AIPACODD) and the AIPA Caucus.
Scope of Application
The meeting and its outcomes apply to the activities of Cambodia’s National Assembly as an active participant within AIPA during 2026. It addresses Cambodia’s role in preparing for and engaging in AIPA sessions and associated international parliamentary cooperation events.
Key Provisions or Decisions
- The Secretariat of AIPA has planned 32 activities for 2026, with Cambodia actively preparing to participate not only in key meetings but also contributing substantive viewpoints to advance the shared development goals of AIPA member parliaments.
- Special focus was given to preparations for an upcoming parliamentary training session in Manila centered on the prevention and counteraction of artificial intelligence (AI) technology misuse for terrorism.
Implications for Investors, Businesses, or Compliance
The National Assembly’s active role in AIPA reflects Cambodia’s commitment to regional parliamentary collaboration addressing governance, security, and development challenges. This engagement supports political stability and regulatory coordination in ASEAN, important factors for investors and businesses assessing long-term governance environments in Cambodia and Southeast Asia.
Official Source
Cambodia Assembly Facebook Post
