Diplomacy: Olivier Richard, a seasoned diplomat, will take the reins of the French Embassy in Cambodia

On July 10, 2025, the Official Journal officially announced the appointment of Olivier Richard as France's new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Kingdom of Cambodia, marking an important chapter in France's diplomatic engagement with the Kingdom.

A seasoned diplomat, Ambassador Richard brings to Phnom Penh a wealth of experience gained during more than three decades of service in Asia and Africa

Born in March 1964, he holds a master's degree in Chinese studies and a bachelor's degree in modern literature, supplemented by a certificate from the University of Cambridge. His academic background highlights his deep appreciation for languages and cultures, an asset for any diplomat.

Since joining the French diplomatic service in 1989 as a foreign affairs secretary, Richard's career has been marked by increasingly important positions. He has served at the French Embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan (1990-1993), and at the Chinese Embassy in Beijing (1993-1996), where his fluency in Mandarin proved invaluable.

These early experiences laid the foundations for his future roles focused on Asia, an increasingly strategic region for France. From 1996 to 1999, Richard served as deputy director of the French Institute in Taipei, where he was responsible for cultural, scientific, and technical affairs.

Between 1999 and 2007, he joined the French Development Agency (AFD), where he headed the offices in Niamey, Niger, and Beijing, China. His management roles at the AFD demonstrate his expertise in development cooperation, a key area of French foreign policy.

Richard's diplomatic posts have been as varied as they have been strategically important in the region: from Zambia (2010-2011) to Myanmar (2015-2018), he has demonstrated great skill in navigating complex political contexts. His embassy in Myanmar, which coincided with a period of significant political reforms and international attention, is a particular testament to his keen sense of diplomacy.

More recently, he served as Minister-Counsellor at the French Embassy in Beijing (2018-2022), then as Deputy Director-General for Globalization at the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs since October 2022.

Olivier Richard succeeds Jacques Pellet, who has been ambassador since July 2021. Mr. Pellet's tenure strengthened France's commitment to Cambodia through cultural cooperation and economic partnership. Mr. Richard is expected to build on this foundation to deepen Franco-Cambodian ties in a rapidly changing geopolitical context in Southeast Asia.

Cambodia represents a strategic frontier for France, which has historical and cultural ties dating back to the colonial era and remains actively engaged in the fields of education, development aid, and regional diplomacy.

Ambassador Richard's appointment demonstrates France's determination to maintain and expand its influence through diplomacy that is skillfully adapted to local contexts and global developments.

As Ambassador Richard takes up his post in Phnom Penh, observers anticipate a revitalization of France's diplomatic, economic, and cultural initiatives in Cambodia. His extensive experience, language skills, and nuanced understanding of the complexities of Asia position him well to meet the challenges ahead and foster a dynamic partnership.

With this appointment, France reaffirms its commitment to strengthening its bilateral relations with Cambodia, promoting mutual respect, sustainable development, and cultural dialogue, a mission perfectly suited to Ambassador Olivier Richard's expertise and vision.

Sources: French Official Journal (July 10, 2025), Bulletin Quotidien (July 15, 2025), archives of the French Development Agency