Background
On 21 September 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation presented two draft laws to the National Assembly. His Excellency PRAK Sokhonn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, led the ministry delegation to the 6th Session of the National Assembly of the 7th Legislature.
One draft law concerns ratification of the Cebu Protocol to amend the Charter of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. The second draft law concerns ratification of the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the Secretariat, Staff and Representatives of Member States of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA).
Scope of Application
Both draft laws are legislative instruments intended to secure parliamentary approval for international agreements and therefore fall within Cambodia’s treaty-ratification process. The measures pertain to Cambodia’s obligations and institutional relationships at the regional level: one addresses the legal framework of ASEAN, and the other addresses immunities and legal status for CICA organs and personnel.
Key Provisions or Decisions
The first draft law formally references the Cebu Protocol as an amendment mechanism to the ASEAN Charter and seeks National Assembly assent for Cambodia to accept that amendment. The second draft law requests parliamentary approval for Cambodia to accept the CICA Convention on privileges and immunities for its Secretariat, staff and representatives, as identified in the draft title presented by the ministry.
Implications for Investors, Businesses, or Compliance
If the National Assembly ratifies the Cebu Protocol, Cambodia’s legal posture within ASEAN will reflect the amended Charter provisions once the amendment enters into force for parties. Ratification of the CICA privileges and immunities convention would clarify the legal status and protections accorded to the CICA Secretariat, its staff and member-state representatives in jurisdictions where Cambodia implements the convention.
Official Source
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Facebook post, 21 September 2026: https://www.facebook.com/mfaic.gov.kh/posts/pfbid0hZTmDZEN7F4Pq7z5JHUxpbLzqBZmcSHr8jKDxCksTfrQKLmCmEocxFAV2aAAVAufl
