Cambodia Seeks Stronger Voice Through Francophonie Parliamentary Assembly

Resumen detallado

PHNOM PENH – The Parliamentary Assembly of the Francophonie (APF) brings together representatives of legislatures from member countries of the ...

PHNOM PENH – Cambodia’s membership in the Francophonie Parliamentary Assembly (APF) provides an important platform to amplify the voices of its people in international forums and advance its interests through parliamentary diplomacy, said Heng Ratha, a Cambodian parliamentary official.

Ratha, director of the Department of Research for International Affairs and former administrative secretary of the Cambodian Section of the APF, said the organization is an important platform for political dialogue and discussion that offers opportunities for Cambodia.

The APF is the official consultative body of the OIF. It promotes the French language and cultural diversity, strengthens parliamentarians’ capacities, and represents Francophone interests in international debates.

It also works to advance democracy, human rights, peace and stability, while making recommendations on major issues facing the Francophone community.

He said Cambodia’s participation is essential because parliaments directly represent the voice of the people.

“The OIF on the executive side and the APF on the legislative side constitute the second-largest international organization after the UN,” he said.

“Therefore, to ensure that the voices of the people are heard by major international institutions, it is important to join this organization so that we can participate, express ourselves and present our aspirations and wishes.”

Ratha explained that French is the APF’s common working language, and that its discussions extend to a broad range of issues, including democracy, the rule of law, children’s and women’s rights, public health, and fundamental freedoms across the Francophone community.

“In 1967, our King Father, Prince Norodom Sihanouk, suggested creating an assembly of French-speaking parliamentarians,” he said. “The name APF is relatively recent, dating back to 1997.”

Inicio del artículo, extracto de Cambodianess. Para leer el resto, abra el artículo en el sitio del medio.