Phnom Penh – Samdech Techo Hun Sen, President of the Cambodian Senate, recently reaffirmed France’s status as a long-standing friend of Cambodia, emphasizing the profound historical ties and deep cooperation shared between the two nations. This significant declaration was made during a courtesy meeting with the France-Cambodia Parliamentary Friendship Group, led by Mr. Thomas Lam, on the morning of February 25th at the Solidarity Palace of the National Senate.
During the encounter, Samdech Hun Sen not only reflected on the intricate and enduring friendship between Cambodia and France but also highlighted France’s crucial role in Cambodia’s peace-building efforts following the devastating Khmer Rouge regime. He expressed a strong desire to see both countries further strengthen and expand their cooperation, particularly in the vital sectors of trade, economy, and investment, identifying these as the core pillars of their long-standing relationship.
Mr. Chea Thireth, spokesman for the Cambodian Senate, elaborated on the meeting’s substance, noting Samdech Hun Sen’s view that Mr. Lam’s visit, alongside his parliamentary delegation, was instrumental in fostering greater progress in Cambodia-France relations. Furthermore, the visit is expected to bolster and improve inter-parliamentary cooperation between the legislative bodies of both countries.
Responding to Samdech Hun Sen’s warm reception, Mr. Thomas Lam, President of the France-Cambodia Friendship Group of the French Parliament, conveyed his admiration for Cambodia’s peace-building achievements under Samdech Hun Sen’s leadership, which have spurred widespread development across the nation. Mr. Lam also acknowledged the continued socio-economic advancement of Cambodia under the current leadership of Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet.
Mr. Lam specified that his current visit is part of the preparations for the upcoming Francophonie Summit, which Cambodia is slated to host later this year, and to lay the groundwork for a future visit by the President of France. He also took the opportunity to recall France’s pivotal contribution to the search for peace in Cambodia, particularly through the Paris Peace Agreements of October 23, 1991, which significantly paved the way for the excellent relations Cambodia and France enjoy today.
In his reply, Samdech Hun Sen conveyed his gratitude to Mr. Lam for his commendation of his past leadership. The Senate President also underscored the importance of the anticipated visit by the French President to Cambodia, viewing it as a key moment to further solidify the bonds between the two countries. He reminisced about his close friendship and frequent communications with French President Emmanuel Macron, reiterating France’s historical role in Cambodia’s quest for peace, notably starting with the pivotal Sihanouk-Hun Sen meeting on December 2, 1987, in Fère-en-Tardenois, which set the stage for the Paris peace negotiations. Beyond peace, France has also contributed to Cambodia’s development through initiatives such as promoting the French language and various development projects.
Samdech Hun Sen concluded by urging both Cambodia and France to intensify their cooperation in trade, economics, and investment. He emphasized, “These points are considered the core of the relationship between Cambodia and France, and I wish to see more French investors coming to invest in Cambodia.” Mr. Thomas Lam expressed great satisfaction with Samdech Hun Sen’s remarks, particularly concerning the bilateral relationship, and fully endorsed the mutual objective to further stimulate economic, commercial, and investment ties with Cambodia. He affirmed that he and his delegation are committed to assisting in the organization of the upcoming Francophonie Summit in Cambodia.
