Phnom Penh, 26 August 2026 — Samdech Maha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary, President of the National Assembly of Cambodia, on Wednesday received Hon. Milton Dick, the first Speaker of the Australian House of Representatives to visit Cambodia in the Australian Parliament’s 125-year history.
The two parliamentary leaders held bilateral talks at the National Assembly Palace on peace, international law and other areas of shared interest. Hon. Milton Dick visited Cambodia to attend the Second Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC-2).
Samdech Khuon Sudary warmly welcomed Hon. Milton Dick and his delegation. She thanked the Australian Parliament for participating in and supporting ISC-2, hosted by the Senate of Cambodia from 26 to 28 August 2026.
Samdech said the conference aims to build trust through dialogue, safeguard peace and promote respect for international law. It brought together parliamentary representatives from more than 20 countries and seven major international organizations.
Samdech said the Cambodian people would always remember Australia’s contribution to the country’s peace process. She particularly recalled Lieutenant General John Sanderson, who served as Force Commander of UNTAC and commanded approximately 16,000 peacekeepers from 34 countries.
Samdech expressed Cambodia’s gratitude to the Parliament, the Government and the people of Australia for their longstanding support for Cambodia, particularly their contributions to peace, humanitarian work, human rights, national reconstruction and development.
The two leaders emphasized that disputes should be resolved peacefully through dialogue and respect for international law. They agreed that peace and stability are essential foundations for national and regional development.
Samdech welcomed the appointment of Ambassador Katrina Cooper, an Australian diplomat and international legal expert, as Chairperson of the UNCLOS Conciliation Commission in the proceedings between Cambodia and Thailand.
She reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to protecting its legitimate rights and interests through peaceful means and in accordance with international law.
Both leaders highlighted the importance of parliamentary diplomacy. They agreed that parliaments can build trust, support mediation efforts and complement the work of executive institutions.
Hon. Milton Dick expressed his interest in learning more about Cambodia’s history and culture. He said Cambodia’s experience offered important lessons in conflict resolution, peacebuilding and national reconstruction.
The two sides encouraged closer parliamentary and people-to-people exchanges. Hon. Milton Dick said the Australian Parliament had established parliamentary friendship groups to further strengthen relations between the two parliaments and their peoples.
Samdech highlighted Australia’s role as an important development partner in governance, economic development and human capital development. She encouraged greater cooperation in education and more opportunities for Cambodian students and young professionals.
She noted that good governance, continued economic reform and cooperation between the public and private sectors are essential to strengthening national resilience.
The two leaders also discussed climate change and its connection to food, energy and water security. They noted that climate crises and armed conflicts have particularly serious effects on children, refugees and displaced persons.
They agreed that human trafficking, cybercrime and online scams require stronger international cooperation. Governments, parliaments, law-enforcement agencies and the private sector share responsibility for addressing these transnational challenges.
Hon. Milton Dick stressed the importance of protecting children and young people in the digital environment. He referred to Australia’s restrictions on social-media access for children under the age of 16.
He also highlighted Australia’s multicultural society and progress in women’s political representation. He said diversity and inclusion strengthen democratic institutions and national unity.
Both leaders emphasized the importance of nurturing young leaders. They encouraged young parliamentarians to promote democratic representation and serve as positive role models with knowledge, good character and discipline.
Samdech also expressed the National Assembly of Cambodia’s strong support for Hon. Milton Dick’s candidacy for President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union.
Hon. Milton Dick thanked the National Assembly for its support. He stressed the importance of listening to member parliaments and working together to strengthen international parliamentary cooperation.
