“Elevating Our Relations to the Rank of Strategic Partnership”: Prak Sokhonn's Reply to the French Ambassador

Facing French Ambassador Olivier Richard, who had just outlined his reading of the Franco-Cambodian year, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, His Excellency Prak Sokhonn, replied at the French Embassy in Phnom Penh with a resolutely Cambodian reading of that same 2026: that of a partnership the Kingdom intends to see grow, all the way to the rank of strategic partnership.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Prak Sokhonn, at the Bastille Day reception at the French Embassy

A Stated Ambition: Strategic Partnership

On behalf of the royal government, Prak Sokhonn first extended to the French government and people, as well as to the French community residing in Cambodia, the Kingdom's congratulations and wishes of prosperity on the occasion of Bastille Day, before getting straight to the point: President Emmanuel Macron's state visit, planned for November, should, in his words, “give decisive momentum to our shared ambition to elevate our relations to the rank of strategic partnership.”

A phrase that contrasted with the more commemorative tone of the previous address: where the ambassador emphasised shared history, the minister chose to project the relationship toward a precise diplomatic status, that of strategic partnership, without dwelling on the decades since the visits of General de Gaulle and François Mitterrand.

Regional Stability, a Shared Responsibility

Addressing an international context “marked by profound change [and] persistent tensions,” Prak Sokhonn placed respect for international law at the heart of his remarks, describing it as the best foundation for lasting peace, stability and shared prosperity between nations.

He also highlighted the close coordination Cambodia maintains with France on major regional issues, presenting this diplomatic cooperation not merely as an extension of bilateral friendship, but as a responsibility the two countries shoulder together in the face of global uncertainty.

A Concrete Partnership, Sector by Sector

Cambodia's chief diplomat detailed the current scope of the partnership, covering agriculture, trade, energy, infrastructure, health, defence, education, culture and heritage preservation, commending the steadiness of French support for the Kingdom's development efforts.

Phnom Penh, Capital of the Francophonie in November

It was on Cambodia's hosting of the 20th Francophonie Summit, however, that Prak Sokhonn dwelt longest, describing it as a landmark moment for a community he put at 90 members, united by the French language and by values of solidarity, friendship, dialogue and cultural diversity.

Held under the theme “Reinvesting in Peace for Shared Prosperity,” the summit, he said, should reflect the collective ambition to make the Francophonie an ever more committed actor in the service of peace and development. The minister assured that preparations were progressing very satisfactorily, adding that the event would be accompanied by numerous economic, cultural and artistic events showcasing Cambodian hospitality — a host's role the Kingdom clearly intends to embrace with pride.

A Toast to Lasting Friendship

In closing, the minister described France as a source of inspiration for Cambodia through the strength of its universal ideals, and as a faithful partner with which the Kingdom maintains a deep friendship turned toward the future. He invited the audience to raise their glasses to the French Republic and its people, to the lasting friendship between the two countries, and to the happiness, health and success of all those gathered for the occasion, before closing with wishes for a happy national day and a rousing “Allez les Bleus!” that drew smiles from the audience.