Synopsis: The two nations affirm deeper bilateral relations while backing peaceful, law-based solutions to international and border disputes.
Cambodia and Azerbaijan renewed their pledge to strengthen legislative relations and expand bilateral cooperation while expressing mutual support on international issues, following a high-level meeting between lawmakers in Baku June 13.
Senate Second Vice-President Thun Vathana held talks with Azerbaijani National Assembly Speaker Sahiba Gafarova to discuss ways to deepen inter-house cooperation based on mutual respect and support in international forums.
During the meeting, the two leaders exchanged views on conflicts around the world, stressing the importance of promoting mutual respect and adherence to international conventions and laws as key principles for resolving disputes.
Vathana informed Gafarova that Cambodia remains committed to addressing its border issues with Thailand through peaceful means, relying on existing agreements and international law. In response, Gafarova expressed understanding of the Cambodia-Thailand border situation and voiced support for Cambodia’s decision to pursue a peaceful and law-based approach.
The Azerbaijani speaker praised Senate President Hun Sen as a wise leader with deep knowledge and understanding of territorial disputes, including those involving Azerbaijan and Armenia.
The meeting highlighted the growing relationship between the two countries beyond bilateral diplomacy. Before concluding their discussions, both sides agreed to promote and facilitate cooperation in education, tourism and trade, placing a particular emphasis on educational collaboration. The two leaders expressed a strong commitment to increasing exchanges between official delegations and expanding scholarship opportunities for Cambodian students.
The Cambodian delegation extended an invitation to the Azerbaijani Parliament to the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference, which Cambodia will host in August. The Cambodian side invited the Azerbaijani Parliament to send representatives to observe the commune and general elections in Cambodia, scheduled for 2027 and 2028, respectively.
In response, the Azerbaijani delegation invited Cambodian observers to its country’s upcoming elections.
The meeting between the two leaders took place during a visit by the Cambodian Senate delegation to Azerbaijan to attend the international conference titled “Regional Contributions to Global Security: Peacebuilding in the South Caucasus”, held in the city of Shusha June 13-16. The conference brings together representatives of governments, political parties, research institutions and media organisations from various countries to discuss regional cooperation and peacebuilding efforts.
During the event, Vathana is scheduled to participate in a panel discussion on “Regional Projects and Cross-Border Cooperation: The Economic Foundations of Sustainable Peace”, where he will highlight Cambodia’s experience in promoting peace and development, as well as opportunities for foreign investment, particularly in border economic areas as a means of sustaining long-term peace.
