Phnom Penh, Cambodia – In a significant move to bolster bilateral ties, Cambodia and Myanmar have formally agreed to enhance inter-political party cooperation and partnership. This agreement, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), underscores a commitment to mutual experience exchange, predicated on principles of equality, respect, and trust. The signing ceremony took place between Samdech Hun Sen, President of the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP), and Mr. U Khin Yi, President of Myanmar’s Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP).
Mr. U Khin Yi led a delegation to Phnom Penh for discussions with Samdech Hun Sen at the esteemed 7 Makara Palace on August 28th. A press statement from the Cambodian People’s Party highlighted the profound importance of Mr. U Khin Yi’s visit, emphasizing its role in strengthening relations between the two nations’ political parties. The USDP President has consistently sought opportunities to reinforce connections with Samdech Hun Sen, recognizing him as a seasoned leader with extensive experience in national and party development. Furthermore, Mr. U Khin Yi affirmed his party’s readiness to deepen cooperation not only between the two parties but also between their respective youth wings.
The signed MOU officially establishes a framework for promoting political party cooperation and partnership, grounded in shared experiences and guided by the core tenets of equality, respect, and mutual trust. Samdech Hun Sen underscored the broader impact of this accord, stating, “Through this MOU, it will contribute to strengthening relations between the two countries, supplementing the existing bilateral and multilateral frameworks that both sides already have in place.”
Beyond the formal agreement, the two party leaders engaged in comprehensive discussions regarding the internal affairs of their respective parties. They also exchanged perspectives on critical regional and global developments. Notably, Mr. U Khin Yi provided an update on the evolving situation in Myanmar, including plans for organizing general elections towards the end of 2025. During the meeting, he extended an invitation to Samdech Hun Sen to undertake an official visit to Myanmar at a mutually convenient future date. Samdech Hun Sen graciously accepted this invitation in his capacity as President of the Cambodian People’s Party.
Addressing the upcoming elections in Myanmar, Samdech Hun Sen offered several recommendations, urging the Myanmar delegation to diligently prepare a clear roadmap to facilitate the electoral process. He emphasized the paramount importance of the Myanmar people’s decision in determining the outcome of the elections.
Mr. U Khin Yi’s visit to Cambodia spanned three days, from August 27th to August 29th. This marks his second official trip to the Kingdom, following his participation in the 12th International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) held in Phnom Penh in 2024. During his recent visit, Mr. U Khin Yi also held a separate discussion with Samdech Prime Minister Hun Manet, who serves as the Vice President of the Cambodian People’s Party.
