A vision for a lasting partnership: Cambodia and France seek to strengthen ties and set new diplomatic milestones

During the farewell visit of Ambassador Jacques Pellet, Samdech Maha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary, President of the National Assembly of the Kingdom of Cambodia, expressed her deep gratitude to France for its invaluable role in Cambodia's development journey.

This recognition was expressed during a courtesy visit to H.E. Jacques Pellet, French Ambassador to Cambodia, held at the National Assembly Palace.

Recognition of France's lasting contribution

Samdech Khuon Sudary paid tribute to France's essential contribution to strengthening Cambodia's capacities, highlighting the transformative ‘E-Parliament’ project. This digital initiative is revolutionising the functioning of the Cambodian Parliament by promoting transparency, efficiency and engagement through the innovative use of technology.

‘France has played a decisive role in empowering Cambodia, not only through its technical assistance, but also by promoting human capital, encouraging educational exchanges and supporting progress in the field of health,’ said Samdech Khuon Sudary.

The ambassador's personal commitment is remarkable: he has championed joint projects, such as the training of Cambodian doctors and the development of legal and economic education, which have helped to deepen human and institutional ties between the two countries.

Strengthening parliamentary diplomacy and regional peace

Beyond development aid and educational exchanges, the conversation focused on the strategic importance of parliamentary diplomacy as a cornerstone of regional stability and multilateral engagement. The President of the National Assembly expressed her unwavering conviction that legislative powers play an essential role in establishing peaceful and cooperative international relations.

She commended Ambassador Pellet's role as a facilitator in high-level political dialogue, particularly during two important visits to France by Samdech Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate.

These exchanges were essential for strengthening trust and understanding and served as a basis for expanding bilateral cooperation.

A particularly promising diplomatic event was recalled: the meeting scheduled for June 2025 in Nice, France, between Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet, Cambodia's military and political leader, and French President Emmanuel Macron, within the framework of the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3). The two leaders agreed on the need to upgrade relations between Cambodia and France to a ‘strategic partnership’, a framework that will enable deeper collaboration in the political, economic, cultural and security fields in the near future.

Managing border tensions and upholding international law

The meeting also provided an essential platform for Cambodia to seek France's support in addressing recent regional challenges. Samdech Khuon Sudary reminded Ambassador Pellet of the tense situation with neighbouring Thailand, marked by a worrying armed incursion into the Mom Bei area on 28 May 2025.

Calling on France's influence, Samdech urged France to once again encourage Thailand to resume peaceful dialogue, based on historic treaties such as the Franco-Siamese treaties of 1904 and 1907 and contemporary agreements such as the 2000 memorandum of understanding. She emphasised Cambodia's dependence on joint mechanisms and international frameworks to ensure regional security and stability.

Aware of the limitations of bilateral negotiations, Cambodia has taken a judicious step by referring the disputed border areas of Mom Bei, Ta Moan Thom, Ta Moan Tauch and the Ta Krabei temples to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). This initiative reaffirms Cambodia's commitment to resolving disputes through peaceful means based on international law, an approach warmly supported by France, which has long advocated legal and diplomatic solutions around the world.

Celebrating cultural heritage and academic partnerships

Ambassador Pellet spoke about his thirty-year diplomatic career, including several postings in Cambodia. He praised Cambodia's remarkable achievements in peacebuilding, socio-economic development and human capital development. Highlighting shared cultural values, he emphasised continued collaboration to preserve Cambodia's rich heritage, including the restoration of the 1,000-year-old reclining statue of Vishnu, now on display at the Guimet Museum in Paris.

Ambassador Pellet's personal involvement as a member of the board of directors of the Calmette Hospital is testimony to the French diplomatic mission's sustained commitment to the development of healthcare.

Towards a new era: strategic partnership and future commitments

In recognition of his contribution, the Royal Government of Cambodia awarded Ambassador Pellet a prestigious royal decoration during his farewell visit. This honour celebrates both his personal dedication and the broader fabric of Cambodian-French relations.

Looking ahead, Ambassador Pellet announced preparations for what could become a landmark event: a possible state visit by President Emmanuel Macron to Cambodia in 2026. This visit would coincide with Cambodia's hosting of the 20th Francophonie Summit in Siem Reap.

He also expressed his intention to maintain and strengthen French technical support in sectors essential to sustainable development and governance modernisation in Cambodia.

The path of continued cooperation

Before concluding their meeting, the ambassador invited Samdech Khuon Sudary to participate in the Paris Peace Forum, scheduled for late October 2025, an influential platform for multilateral dialogue on peace and security.

With the imminent arrival of a new French representative in Cambodia, both sides expressed optimism about the continuation and intensification of relations between Cambodia and France. New cooperation projects are expected to be announced in September 2025, underscoring their shared desire to formalise their strategic partnership by 2026.

The meeting between Samdech Maha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary and Ambassador Jacques Pellet was more than just a diplomatic farewell ceremony. It reaffirmed a historic and dynamic partnership that combines tradition and modernity, cultural affinities and forward-looking cooperation.

As Cambodia moves towards a future marked by increased digital innovation, regional collaboration and international engagement, France is positioning itself as a partner ready to support and celebrate Cambodia's aspirations on the international stage.