Men Sam An (right), Minister of National Assembly-Senate Relations and Inspection met with Lao’s Khamphanh Phommathath on June 21. MEN SAM AN VIA FB
A delegation from the Laos State Inspection Authority (SIA) requested that Cambodia continue to share its anti-corruption inspection experience, so the two nations can learn from one another and deepen their relations.
The request came as the delegation, led by Khamphanh Phommathath, SIA chairman, paid a June 21 courtesy call on Men Sam An, Minister of National Assembly-Senate Relations and Inspection.
During the meeting, Khamphanh complimented Cambodia on its rapid development under the leadership of Prime Minister Hun Sen, and singled out its recent hosting of the SEA Games and ASEAN Para Games for special praise.
He requested that Sam An share her experience with the his delegation.
In response, Sam An discussed the inspection work carried out by her institution. She explained that Cambodia conducts thorough inspections of all administrative work, public financial management, and state property management across the Kingdom.
Cambodia also monitors the implementation of the law and other legal standards, in order to curb corruption and improve efficiency. The Ministry receives complaints and defamation lawsuits filed by the public, and addresses them, she said.
She added that the government holds regular public forums to seek comments and suggestions from people across the country. The ministry is also responsible for training officials in inspection skills, through the National Institute of Inspection.
“Today’s visit by Khamphan was an important opportunity to for the inspection officials of our two nations to exchange experiences. It also contributed to deepening relations and cooperation between neighbouring countries in comprehensive and strategic manner,” she continued.
The Lao delegation are paying a five-day visit from June 20-24 to gain a clearer understanding of important anti-corruption techniques. The SIA will also sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Cambodian Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU), to outline a five-year cooperative framework between the two countries.
Soy Chanvichet, ACU spokesman, explained that inspection work is the responsibility of two ministries the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Ministry of National Assembly-Senate Relations.
“These inspections are very important to combat graft. Inspections aim to ensure respect for the law, which is essential to prevent and curb corruption,” he added.
He continued that anti-corruption cooperation between Cambodia and Laos was beneficial to both parties and included exchange visits, the exchange of investigative information, technical advice and legal aid.
This was the third visit by the SIA. The first two took place in 2014 and 2018, and followed a 2013 MoU, which was signed in Vientiane.
