The National Assembly and the Asian Vision Institute (AVI) held a virtual signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Wednesday at the National Assembly.

According to the press release, “The signing of the MoU aims to establish and enhance cooperation between the two institutions in education, research, joint organization of events, media and public relations, and consultation on national and international affairs”.

Second vice-president of the National Assembly Khuon Sudary said, “The cooperation between the national Assembly and the Asian Vision Institute will provide many benefits to our country and our people.”

She added, “The signing of the MoU yesterday is a testament to the National Assembly’s trust of, and confidence in, the important role of AVI in contributing to the achievement of the main missions of the National Assembly.”

She also recalled the contributions by AVI’s team, who have been actively involved in assisting the National Assembly on the international stage, such as at the Asia- Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF) and the 11th Asia-Europe parliamentary partnership Meeting (ASEP11).

National Assembly secretary-general Len Peng Long considered the Memorandum of Understanding between the two institutions an important agreement that will help to improve the quality of work at the National Assembly, and make it both more efficient and effective in both its domestic and international activities.

He also added that through the cooperation, the Asian Vision Institute would help the National Assembly enhance its parliamentary diplomacy in this era of Industrial Revolution 4.0.

AVI Chairman Sok Siphana, said that “Although AVI is young, it has rapidly established its reputation both at home and abroad”.

He expressed his heartfelt thanks to the leadership of the National Assembly for its trust and confidence in AVI.

President of AVI Chheang Vannarith told Khmer times yesterday that the MoU marks a new era of institutional partnership between the National Assembly and AVI in promoting Cambodia’s parliamentary diplomacy.

Such partnership also strengthens the spirit of multi-stakeholder collaboration between the legislature and a think tank.

AVI wants to do its best to serve the interests of the Cambodian people, and the National Assembly is the main gateway for AVI to realise its vision and mission.