Phnom penh: Samdech Maha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary, President of the National Assembly of Cambodia, hosted Hon. Milton Dick, Speaker of the Australian House of Representatives, for discussions at the National Assembly Palace. The meeting took place during the Second Inter-Parliamentary Speakers' Conference (ISC-2), which Cambodia is hosting.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, Samdech Khuon Sudary expressed a warm welcome to Hon. Milton Dick and emphasized that the visit underscores the enduring friendship and collaborative efforts between Cambodia and Australia. She highlighted that the meeting would further solidify the relationship between the legislative and executive branches of the two nations at both bilateral and multilateral levels.
Samdech Khuon Sudary also pointed out the importance of ISC-2, convened under the leadership of Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate of Cambodia. The conference aims to foster trust through dialogue and contribute to peace protection based on international law.
In response, Hon. Milton Dick conveyed his gratitude for the opportunity to meet Samdech Khuon Sudary and commended her leadership. He expressed robust support for ISC-2, emphasizing its role in benefiting people and providing a key platform for parliamentary leaders to enhance cooperation. He also advocated for increased exchanges between the two parliaments through friendship groups, youth parliaments, and other mechanisms.
Australia has been a significant partner for Cambodia, providing approximately US$1.4 billion in grants and development assistance since the 1990s. Bilateral cooperation spans various fields, including trade and education, with two-way trade exceeding US$600 million in 2025. Australia continues to be a pivotal development partner for Cambodia, particularly in economic development, governance reform, and human-resource development.
Samdech Khuon Sudary supported the Australian Speaker's perspectives, emphasizing that human-resource development is a priority for Cambodia. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, the Royal Government has prioritized human-resource development under the Pentagonal Strategy-Phase 1, aiming for upper-middle-income status by 2030 and high-income status by 2050.
She acknowledged Australia's longstanding support for peace and development in Cambodia, recalling the contributions of Australian Lieutenant General John Sanderson, who served as Commander of the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC) from 1991 to 1993.
Additionally, Samdech Khuon Sudary welcomed the appointment of Australian diplomat and legal expert Katrina Cooper as Chairperson of the UNCLOS Conciliation Commission to address the maritime boundary issue between Cambodia and Thailand. She reiterated Cambodia's commitment to peaceful dispute resolution and respect for international law, emphasizing that Cambodia, as a small state, seeks only to protect its legitimate rights and interests.