Phnom Penh, February 4, 2026: The Kingdom of Cambodia has announced that it will host the upcoming Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC) in August or September 2026. The announcement was made by Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate of Cambodia, during a high-level breakfast meeting with Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, Chairman of Pakistan’s Senate and Founding Chairman of the ISC.
In a notable diplomatic gesture, President Hun Sen requested a private breakfast meeting with Chairman Gilani, accompanied by his two sons, reflecting the significance both sides attach to bilateral relations and parliamentary cooperation.
During the engagement, Hun Sen publicly confirmed Cambodia’s decision to host the ISC, noting that the move followed consultations with and encouragement from Chairman Gilani. He praised Gilani’s leadership in shaping the conference into a credible global parliamentary platform and reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to supporting its continued growth.
Both leaders underscored their shared commitment to parliamentary diplomacy, peace, and international cooperation, expressing confidence that the conference would enhance Cambodia’s engagement with parliamentary leaders from around the world.
The meeting was attended by several senior Cambodian officials, including Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Civil Services Hun Many; Senior Ministers in charge of Special Mission Othsman Hassan and Sry Thamarong; Chairman of the Senate’s First Commission Ngy Chanphal; Deputy Commander of the Armed Forces and Chief of the Intelligence Department Hun Manith; and Senate Secretary General Lay Samkol.
Prominent members of the business community were also present, among them Neak Oknha Sear Rithy, Vice President of the Cambodian Chamber of Commerce, and Neak Oknha Leang Meng, owner of the Hyatt Regency Hotel.
Chairman Gilani expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality and welcomed Cambodia’s decision to host the conference, stating that the choice of venue reflected mutual trust, respect, and a shared vision for constructive legislative dialogue.
He also suggested that Cambodia consider opening a diplomatic mission in Islamabad to further strengthen bilateral ties, a proposal that received a positive response. Additionally, Gilani invited the Prime Minister of Cambodia to visit Pakistan to explore new avenues of cooperation and further consolidate the cordial relations between the two countries.
The development is expected to deepen Pakistan–Cambodia relations and promote greater collaboration across multiple sectors while reinforcing the role of parliamentary diplomacy in fostering international partnerships.
