Paris (FN), Jan. 19 – Cambodia and France agreed to enhance bilateral relations with the aim of achieving a strategic partnership by deepening cooperation between the two countries, according to the Joint Declaration of the Dialogue between Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and French President Emmanuel Macron on 18 January 2024 in Paris, France.

Cambodia and France welcomed the new momentum in bilateral relations between the two countries following the visit of Samdech Techo Hun Sen in December 2022 and the official visit of Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni in November 2023.

Both leaders called for further strengthening of relations between France and Cambodia in various fields of historical cooperation and diversified areas of bilateral cooperation. The two sides also stressed the importance of maintaining, strengthening and expanding French investment and trade and pledged to redouble their efforts to boost investment and expand trade and deepen economic cooperation between the two countries.

According to the joint declaration, France and Cambodia welcomed the results of cooperation in conserving and enhancing heritage. The Fourth Intergovernmental Conference last November reflected efforts under the Intergovernmental Coordinating Committee for the Conservation and Development of the Angkor site, under the auspice of the UNESCO, which extended the ten-year co-chairmanship of France. The two leaders discussed implementing other projects to protect and promote Cambodia's heritage, including renovating and extending the National Museum in Phnom Penh.

France and Cambodia recalled their interest in promoting Francophone and its values. France has expressed its desire to see high-level representatives from Cambodia to attend the 19th Francophone Summit in Villers-Cotterêts on 4-5 October 2024. Cambodia confirmed its candidacy to the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie to host the 20th Summit in 2026. France highly appreciated Cambodia's candidacy as contributing to the dynamics of Francophone in the Asia-Pacific region.

Both sides mentioned the importance of political multilateralism and full protection of fundamental rights to ensure the strength of democracy. The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in these areas within the framework of bilateral relations and multilateral frameworks. The important role of civil society in finding solutions for global issues is also recognized, the declaration added.
=FRESH NEWS