Phnom penh: H.E. Dr. Chheang Vannarith, Deputy Secretary-General and Chairman of the Advisory Council of the National Assembly (NA) of the Kingdom of Cambodia, received Professor Yang Jiemian, Chairman of the Academic Advisory Council of the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies (SIIS), on March 10.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, during the meeting, Dr. Vannarith welcomed the Chinese delegation and appreciated their visit to the NA. He highlighted the significance of such exchanges in strengthening Cambodia-China think tank cooperation and policy research collaboration. Dr. Vannarith also expressed gratitude for the hospitality extended by SIIS during his visit to Shanghai, emphasizing the importance of continued engagement between research institutions and parliamentary bodies to enhance knowledge exchange and policy dialogue.
Dr. Vannarith noted that the initiative reflects the encouragement from Samdech Maha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary, President of the Cambodian NA, who supports developing think tanks within the NA for evidence-based policymaking. This initiative aims to bolster institutional capacity, aiding the leadership and members of the National Assembly in better serving the Cambodian people.
Professor Yang Jiemian expressed his pleasure in visiting Cambodia's NA. Reflecting on his academic journey at SIIS, he shared insights on parliamentary systems and international affairs. He observed that while Cambodia has few think tanks within higher education institutions, China hosts thousands, suggesting that expanding these institutions in universities could enhance research capacity and intellectual exchanges.
Professor Yang highlighted the strong Cambodia-China friendship, noting that ties between the two countries have been strengthened under the leadership of King Norodom Sihamoni and other Cambodian leaders, contributing to deeper partnership and development cooperation. He quoted a proverb, emphasizing the importance of working together for long-term progress and encouraged Cambodia to consider establishing a parliamentary think tank and seek international partnerships for future cooperation.
The meeting underscored the growing interest from both sides in strengthening intellectual exchanges and policy research cooperation, supporting the broader Cambodia-China comprehensive partnership.