KATHMANDU, NOVEMBER 25

Speaker of the House of Representatives (HoR) Devraj Ghimire, currently on a five-day official visit to Cambodia, held courtesy meetings with Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Hun Manet and Senate Chairman Samdech Hun Sen.

According to the Speaker's Secretariat, the meeting with Prime Minister Manet took place at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh, where discussions focused on elevating the historical ties between Nepal and Cambodia.

Speaker Ghimire emphasized the need to initiate direct air services between Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, and Angkor, a prominent Cambodian heritage site, to promote Buddhist and Hindu heritage. He highlighted the potential of such a connection to enhance spiritual tourism and cultural exchange. Nepal and Cambodia had previously signed an air service agreement in 2075 BS.

The discussion also touched on fostering citizen exchange programs between the two nations.

Speaker Ghimire formally invited Prime Minister Manet to visit Nepal, to which the Cambodian Prime Minister expressed interest, acknowledging the International Parliament for Tolerance and Peace (IPTP) as an excellent platform for small nations to collaborate. He conveyed his intent to arrange a suitable time for a Nepal visit. This interaction is viewed as a vital step toward strengthening economic, cultural, and diplomatic ties.

In a separate meeting with Senate Chairman Hun Sen on Sunday evening at the Cambodia People's Party headquarters, the two leaders deliberated on enhancing inter-parliamentary relations, regional cooperation, and matters of mutual interest.

They also explored opportunities for deeper legislative collaboration and understanding. Speaker Ghimire shared insights from Nepal's unique peace process, emphasizing the potential for enhanced partnerships in areas of shared interest.

On Saturday evening, Speaker Ghimire met with the President of Cambodia's National Assembly.

Leading a five-member delegation, he addressed the 11th plenary session of the IPTP on Sunday and is scheduled to return to Nepal on Tuesday.