Phnom Penh, 11 August 2026 — Samdech Maha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary, President of the National Assembly of the Kingdom of Cambodia, on Tuesday evening granted a courtesy call to distinguished delegates attending the 9th Asia-Pacific Parliamentarian Forum on Global Health (9th APPF-GH) at the Shangri-La Hotel.
Samdech reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC), strengthening regional parliamentary cooperation on health, and translating shared commitments into concrete action for the well-being of people across the region.
During the courtesy call, Samdech Khuon Sudary expressed her appreciation for the delegates’ participation and support for the 9th APPF-GH, noting that the presence of representatives from 16 countries reflected a shared vision and commitment to advancing the regional health agenda.
Samdech regretted that she was unable to attend the opening ceremony that morning due to an urgent 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 welcomed the successful opening ceremony and plenary sessions, noting that delegates had exchanged ideas and solutions in a frank, open and candid manner. She described the fruitful discussions as an encouraging outcome of the first day of the three-day Forum.
Highlighting the theme “Universal Health Coverage in the Era of Climate Change and Artificial Intelligence,” Samdech Khuon Sudary said it is both relevant and timely as countries work to ensure that everyone has access to quality healthcare and services without financial hardship.
She underscored that health remains a top priority of the Royal Government of Cambodia under its Seventh Mandate and the Pentagonal Strategy–Phase I, particularly in advancing Universal Health Coverage, addressing non-communicable diseases, and strengthening health security.
Looking ahead to the Forum’s field visit on 12 August, Samdech Khuon Sudary encouraged delegates not only to observe the practices and challenges of local health facilities in Kampot Province, but also to learn more about the province and its people.
“Kampot Province is known for its seafood, Kampot pepper, sea salt, and well-preserved French colonial architecture,” Samdech noted.
She placed particular emphasis on the Phnom Penh Communiqué, which is expected to be adopted on the final day of the Forum, describing it as “a new milestone in our parliamentary cooperation on advancing Universal Health Coverage.”
“It is a call to action. Actions speak louder than words,” Samdech Khuon Sudary stressed, underscoring the importance of translating the Forum’s discussions and commitments into concrete action.
Beyond substantive dialogue and the exchange of best practices, Samdech highlighted the importance of the Forum in strengthening friendship, mutual trust and personal relationships among parliamentarians and partners across the region.
“Personal relationships and trust are what make international cooperation work,” she said, drawing on her own experience and observation.
Samdech Khuon Sudary concluded by wishing all delegates a pleasant and memorable stay in Cambodia, once again welcoming them to the Kingdom and thanking them for their support for the 9th APPF-GH.