In a significant development, Cambodia's monarch, His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath NORODOM Sihamoni, met with French President Emmanuel Macron on November 13, 2023, at the Palais de l'Elysée in Paris. The official talks marked a crucial step in strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations.
During his three-day visit to France from November 12-18, 2023, King Norodom Sihamoni was warmly received by President Macron, who hosted him for an afternoon of discussions at the Elysée Palace. The meeting brought together two leaders with a shared interest in promoting peace, stability, and cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region.
The two leaders reviewed existing agreements between Cambodia and France, including the Intergovernmental Conference for the Safeguarding and Development of Angkor (ICC-ANGKOR), which has been instrumental in preserving Cambodia's rich cultural heritage. The ICC-ANGKOR was established in 1993 to address the restoration needs of Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The French President reaffirmed his government's commitment to providing assistance to Cambodia in various sectors, with a focus on healthcare and education. This support includes human resource development, disease prevention programs, tele-surgery, and the application of artificial intelligence in the medical field.
In addition, France pledged to provide technical expertise for the renovation and expansion of the National Museum of Cambodia and the restoration of the reclining Vishnu bronze statue. The French President also expressed his admiration for the ICC-ANGKOR mechanism as a model of multilateralism, highlighting its significance in promoting regional cooperation and cultural exchange.
King Norodom Sihamoni thanked France for its long-standing support to Cambodia's socio-economic development, emphasizing the importance of this partnership in enhancing the well-being of the Cambodian people. The King also invited French experts to study and renovate the Pavillon Napoleon III located within the Royal Palace compound, further solidifying ties between the two nations.
During their meeting, President Macron encouraged Cambodia to host the Francophonie Summit in 2026, pledging France's full support for Cambodia's candidacy. In response, King Norodom Sihamoni expressed his country's immense honor at hosting this prestigious event and reiterated the value of French support in strengthening Cambodia's presence in Asia.
The talks concluded with both leaders exchanging invitations to attend upcoming Francophonie Summits: President Macron will attend the 19th Francophonie Summit in Paris in October 2024, while King Norodom Sihamoni has invited him to attend the 20th summit in 2026.
The outcome of these diplomatic efforts highlights the importance of Cambodia's role as a key player in regional and international affairs. The strengthened ties between Cambodia and France underscore the potential for increased cooperation on various fronts, including education, culture, health, and economic development.
In conclusion, the official visit by King Norodom Sihamoni to France marked an important milestone in bilateral relations between the two nations. As Cambodia continues to assert its position as a major player in Southeast Asia, it is clear that France will remain a vital partner in promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.