Hun Manet Seeks Strategic Ties in France

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has begun a four‑day visit to France aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation and exploring the possibility of elevating relations to a strategic partnership.

Invited by French President Emmanuel Macron, Hun Manet is accompanied by First Lady Pich Chanmony and senior officials including Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn. Talks in Paris are expected to cover political, security, trade, investment and cultural ties, with both sides keen to expand collaboration across multiple sectors.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said discussions will also touch on multilateral cooperation, particularly the upcoming Francophonie Summit, which Phnom Penh will host in November. The event will mark the first time the summit has been held in Southeast Asia since Hanoi in 1997, and will see Cambodia assume the presidency from France. French Ambassador Olivier Richard has stressed the importance of unity within the Francophone community ahead of the gathering, highlighting the summit as a symbol of deepening ties between the two nations.

France continues to support French‑language education in Cambodia, particularly in law, economics, engineering and medicine, alongside teacher training programmes. This cultural and educational cooperation is seen as a cornerstone of the relationship.

During the visit, Hun Manet will also attend the One Health Summit in Lyon, part of the wider One Planet Summit under France’s G7 presidency. The meeting brings together world leaders, scientists and civil society to address interconnected challenges in human, animal and environmental health.

The trip underscores Cambodia’s ambition to broaden its international partnerships while reinforcing historic ties with France, as both countries look to align on regional and global issues in the months ahead.

-2026-04-06