The virtual 11th Asia-Europe Parliamentary Partnership Meeting (ASEP 11) hosted by Cambodia kicked off officially this afternoon (Phnom Penh time), during which participants are expected to develop innovative solutions to address interconnected global issues.
Under the theme “Strengthening Parliamentary Partnership for Peace and Sustainable Development in the Era of COVID-19 and Beyond”, the meeting began with remarks by Samdech Vibol Sena Pheakdei Say Chhum, President of the Cambodian Senate and Co-President of ASEP11 and Ms. Heidi Hautala, Vice-President of European Parliament and Representative of President of European Parliament, keynote address by Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, and opening speech by Samdech Akka Moha Sena Ponhea Chakrei Heng Samrin, President of the Cambodian National Assembly and Co-President of ASEP11.
The meeting is run with features of topics related to global issues.
The ASEP is the parliamentary extension of the Asian-European political dialogue, an effort to enhance relations between Europe and Asia.
As an important forum of multilateral dialogue between parliaments from Asia and Europe, ASEP plays a vital role in promoting people-centered and inter-regional cooperation and connectivity.
Parliaments have a key role to play in promoting international cooperation and partnerships through representation, legislation and oversight. At the same time, parliamentary diplomacy is increasingly relevant to building foundations for peace and sustainable development, according to the ASEP 11.
The ASEP11 is held via videoconference a week ahead of the 13th ASEM Summit (ASEM13) to be hosted by Cambodia.
