Cambodia and France Unite for Francophonie Summit Success

Cambodia and France are joining forces to ensure the success of the 20th Francophonie Summit, scheduled for November 15 and 16, 2026, in Phnom Penh. In an interview with AKP on March 25, the French Ambassador to Cambodia, H.E. Olivier Richard, praised this close collaboration.

French Ambassador to Cambodia, H.E. Olivier Richard

« As the current president of La Francophonie and a close friend of Cambodia, France is providing its technical expertise, drawn from its recent experience in organizing the summit, on political negotiations and logistical aspects », he stated.

Bilateral working groups have been conducting in-depth discussions for several months, focused on Francophonie affairs and protocols. This is evidenced by the recent visit of the OIF Secretary-General, H.E. Louise Mushikiwabo, which strengthens Cambodia's commitment.

A Springboard for Cambodia in Asia

This summit should offer Cambodia a unique showcase to promote French in Asia, where it represents only 2% of global speakers but is gaining ground through education. Ambassador Richard hopes « for new partnerships with the global Francophone community ».

« We firmly believe that Cambodia will seize this unique opportunity to further promote the French language in Asia », he added.

Phnom Penh, host of the historic 2022 ASEAN Summit, thus demonstrates its diplomatic maturity. This Franco-Cambodian alliance is poised to strengthen the vitality of La Francophonie amid geopolitical challenges, boosting trade exchanges – Cambodian exports to France grew by 15% in 2025.

French, a Pillar of Bilateral Relations

Beyond the summit, the French language structures Franco-Cambodian ties. Paris supports French-language teaching in key sectors: law, economics, medicine, engineering, military cooperation, and cultural industries.

This aid is delivered through the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) and the Agence universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF), along with concrete programs such as scholarships for 500 Cambodian students in 2025.

La Francophonie, founded in 1970, brings together 90 States and governments (53 members, 5 associates, 32 observers) for 396 million speakers. It promotes political, educational, economic, and cultural exchanges.