In a poignant farewell call held on 17 July 2025, His Excellency PRAK Sokhonn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, bid an emotional farewell to H.E. Jacques Pellet, the outgoing Ambassador of France to Cambodia.
During their meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister praised the Ambassador’s remarkable contributions to strengthening bilateral relations between Cambodia and the French Republic. He expressed his deep appreciation for the Ambassador’s tireless efforts to enhance cooperation in various areas, particularly education, culture, and development. These efforts were recognized by the Royal Government of Cambodia, which awarded H.E. Jacques Pellet the Grand Cross of the Royal Order of Sahametrei, the highest honorary distinction of the Kingdom.
The two dignitaries reviewed recent developments in bilateral cooperation, including Cambodia’s active participation in the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference held in Nice, where the Kingdom signed the Agreement on Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) and supported the Nice Declaration. H.E. PRAK Sokhonn acknowledged Ambassador Pellet’s key role in facilitating high-level exchanges between the two countries during his tenure, including an upcoming visit by a senior French official to Cambodia.
The Deputy Prime Minister expressed gratitude for France’s continued support for Cambodia’s socio-economic development, particularly through the Agence Francaise de Développement (AFD). He acknowledged France’s fundamental role as co-chair of the International Coordinating Committee for the Safeguarding and Development of the Historic Sites of Angkor (ICC-Angkor) and its support in the field of education through scholarships and training programs.
The Deputy Prime Minister welcomed the fact that France remains Cambodia’s leading European source of tourists, stressing the importance of strengthening cooperation in key sectors such as energy, infrastructure, agriculture, tourism, culture heritage preservation, and education. H.E. Jacques Pellet reaffirmed France’s commitment to continuing and deepening cooperation across all these areas.
As Ambassador Pellet prepares to leave office, the two dignitaries confirmed their shared commitment to multilateral cooperation, particularly within the Francophonie. The Ambassador confirmed France’s continued support for Cambodia’s organization of the 20th Summit of La Francophonie.
In conclusion, H.E. Jacques Pellet’s farewell tour marks an important chapter in the history of bilateral relations between Cambodia and France. As the Kingdom embarks on new diplomatic initiatives, it will be guided by the principles of cooperation, mutual understanding, and shared values that have been reinforced during his tenure. The Deputy Prime Minister’s warm words and the Grand Cross award serve as a testament to the enduring legacy of Ambassador Pellet’s dedication to strengthening ties between Cambodia and France.
With the French Embassy in Phnom Penh already undergoing a transition period, the Deputy Prime Minister has outlined a clear roadmap for future cooperation, emphasizing the importance of continued engagement and collaboration in key areas. As the Kingdom looks to the future, it will be heartened by the knowledge that Ambassador Pellet’s departure marks not an end, but a new beginning in the enduring friendship between Cambodia and France.