Cambodia and France Strengthen Bilateral Ties with Ambition to Reach Strategic Partnership by 2026

Strategic Insights -

Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Prak Sokhonn praised outgoing French Ambassador Jacques Pellet for his significant contributions to deepening bilateral ties, particularly in education, culture, and development. In a farewell call, Sokhonn acknowledged Pellet's key role in facilitating high-level exchanges between officials of the two countries and expressed deep appreciation for France's long-standing support for Cambodia's socio-economic development. The two leaders discussed efforts to elevate bilateral ties to a strategic partnership by 2026, a shared ambition that has made progress during Pellet's term.

Key Takeaways:

  • Cambodia awarded French Ambassador Jacques Pellet the Grand Cross of the Royal Order of Sahametrei, the kingdom's highest honorary distinction, in recognition of his contributions to bilateral ties.
  • The two countries reviewed recent developments in bilateral cooperation, including Cambodia's role at the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, where the Kingdom signed the Agreement on Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction and expressed support for the Nice Declaration.
  • Sokhonn and Pellet discussed efforts to elevate bilateral ties to a strategic partnership by 2026, a shared ambition that has made progress during the envoy's term.
  • France is Cambodia's leading European source of tourists.
  • The two parties reiterated the importance of deepening cooperation in energy, infrastructure, agriculture, tourism, heritage preservation, and education.
  • Pellet reaffirmed France's backing of Cambodia's preparations to host the 20th Summit of La Francophonie and expressed support for the Kingdom's multilateral engagement, particularly within the Francophonie.

Statistics:

  • 2026: The target year for Cambodia and France to elevate bilateral ties to a strategic partnership.
  • 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference: The international conference held in Nice where Cambodia signed the Agreement on Marine Biodiversity and expressed support for the Nice Declaration.
  • 20th Summit of La Francophonie: The upcoming summit that Cambodia will host with the support of France.
  • Sahametrei: The name of the Grand Cross of the Royal Order of Sahametrei, Cambodia's highest honorary distinction, awarded to Ambassador Pellet.

Sources:

  • "Deputy Prime Minister meets outgoing French ambassador" (online source not specified)