On 28 August 2026, H.E. Dr. Chem Widhya, Secretary-General of AIPA, delivered a speech during the General Debate at the 2nd Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC-2) in Phnom Penh, Kingdom of Cambodia.

In his speech, H.E. Dr. Chem Widhya highlighted the vital role of parliaments as custodians of law in safeguarding the rule of law and rules-based multilateralism at the national, regional, and international levels. He underscored the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in complementing State diplomacy, building confidence and understanding, fostering dialogue and cooperation, preventing and peacefully resolving conflicts, and translating dialogue into institutionalised parliamentary action. He further highlighted ASEAN’s longstanding commitment to peaceful coexistence through the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), which marks its 50th Anniversary this year, reaffirming the importance of international law, multilateral cooperation, and dialogue as foundations for lasting peace, common security, political stability, and shared prosperity.

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