PHNOM PENH — President of the National Assembly of Cambodia, Samdech Maha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary, granted a courtesy call and hosted a gala dinner for parliamentarians and international delegates attending the 9th Asia-Pacific Parliamentarian Forum on Global Health (9th APPF-GH) at the Shangri-La Hotel in Phnom Penh.
Representing 16 countries across the Asia-Pacific region, the delegates gathered to address critical healthcare challenges under the theme “Universal Health Coverage in the Era of Climate Change and Artificial Intelligence.”
Strategic Focus on Universal Health Coverage (UHC)
During the courtesy meeting, Samdech Khuon Sudary reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC), strengthening health security, and addressing non-communicable diseases.
She noted that healthcare reform remains a top priority under the Royal Government of Cambodia’s Seventh Mandate and its Pentagonal Strategy – Phase I.
“The Phnom Penh Communiqué is a new milestone in our parliamentary cooperation on advancing Universal Health Coverage. It is a call to action. Actions speak louder than words,” stated Samdech Khuon Sudary, emphasizing the necessity of converting policy discussions into tangible regional health outcomes.
The National Assembly President expressed regret for missing the opening morning session due to an urgent diplomatic trip to the Lao PDR to attend the state funeral of the late Hon. Dr. Xaysomphone Phomvihane, President of the National Assembly of the Lao PDR. She commended the delegates for conducting frank and productive plenary exchanges on day one of the three-day forum.
Diplomatic Gala & Cultural Evening
Following the afternoon deliberations, Samdech Khuon Sudary hosted an official welcoming gala dinner along the banks of the Mekong River. The evening showcased traditional Khmer cuisine, classical music, and dance performances.
Highlighting the cultural dimension of international diplomacy, she remarked:
“Culture is the source of our resilience. Cultural diversity is a wellspring of peace, harmony, and development.”
Drawings comparisons to the historic Mekong River, she encouraged parliamentarians to build long-term trust and cross-border partnerships to ensure quality healthcare reaches vulnerable populations without financial hardship.
Field Visit to Kampot Province
As part of the forum’s practical agenda, delegates traveled to Kampot Province on August 12 to examine primary health care systems at local facilities, including:
- Ang Phnom Touch Health Center: Observing community-based primary healthcare operations.
- Sonja Kill Memorial Hospital: Examining non-profit healthcare management and medical training infrastructure.
The field itinerary also provided international delegates an opportunity to experience Kampot’s heritage, local eco-tourism, and French colonial architecture.
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