AKP Phnom Penh, January 06, 2026 -- H.E. Vong Sauth, Second Vice President of the National Assembly, met Tuesday with 17 students from the ASEAN Youth Federation who will take part in the upcoming Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Program (SSEAYP)

During the meeting at the National Assembly Palace, H.E. Vong Sauth noted that young people accounted for about 60 percent of Cambodia’s population.

As the children and grandchildren of those who survived the genocidal Pol Pot regime, they were urged to study Cambodia's history thoroughly.

“The peace and development that Cambodia enjoys today stem from the sacrifice of the flesh and blood of our senior national leaders in the struggle to overthrow the genocidal Pol Pot regime on Jan. 7, 1979,” he said.

“Citizens should always remember the great tragedy during the dark period of 3 years, 8 months and 20 days and condemn those who deny the truth regarding Cambodia’s extremely bitter history.”

During the 26-day programme from Jan. 15 to Feb. 9, the students will travel to Japan and Singapore.

Mr. Sok Salihin, a representative of the students, expressed gratitude for the meeting and the opportunity to receive recommendations from the Second Vice President.

He said the students wanted to “study and understand, especially about legislative institutions as additional preparation before departing to continue our studies in Japan and Singapore.”

The Second Vice President noted the creation of the Young Parliamentarians Group to enhance the participation of young people in international affairs.

He also explained the important role of young people in maintaining national unity, “especially in the context of current border issues, which are challenging and must be resolved through peaceful means and based on international law.”

He urged the students “to unite in protecting unity, be cautious of false information, and participate in defending the national plan.”

By Sao Da