The 40th International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) and the 5th Asia Europe Political Forum, held on October 13-16 in the Nepalese capital Kathmandu. CPP
Representatives of 26 political parties from 16 countries across Asia and Europe have commended the Cambodian government for its “promotion of peace, democracy and religious freedom”.
They made the statement following the 40th International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) and the 5th Asia Europe Political Forum, held on October 13-16 in the Nepalese capital Kathmandu. The event was hosted by the Communist Party of Nepal, according to an October 16 press release from the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP).
The four-day meeting was attended by Suos Yara, director-general of the Asia Cultural Council (ACC) and a CPP representative, along with his counterparts from the 26 political parties.
The participants had adopted the Kathmandu statement, which aims to foster cooperation and partnership between the parties and relevant institutions to promote the tourist sector and guarantee post-Covid-19 financial stability, according to the press release.
They expressed their goodwill with Cambodia for its successful general election on July 23, noting that the election was “free, fair and peaceful”.
“The meeting participants unanimously decided to appoint Cambodia’s National Assembly president Khuon Sudary as head of the ACC,” said the release.
The participants had also given a vote of confidence to the CPP, allowing it to continue its leadership of the ICAPP Standing Committee and Youth Forum. The Kingdom is set to host the 12th ICAPP and 3rd ACC meeting, along with related meetings, in November next year.
Yang Peou, secretary-general of the Royal Academy of Cambodia, said it was understandable for the ICAPP to admire Cambodia, as they shared similar political systems and parties. He added that Cambodia had enjoyed a peaceful transition of power.
“Peace and freedom of religion are a combination of factors that guarantee social stability and development. We have all seen how conflict can arise when religious harmony is absent, for example in the Gaza strip. In Cambodia, all religions live in peace with followers of Buddhism. That’s good,” he said.
He explained that cooperation with the ICAPP served as an important example of how to exchange political views and support one another on the international stage for the Kingdom’s political parties.
It has been 13 years since Cambodia hosted the 6th ICAPP, in December 2010.
