Dr. Seun Sam

From June 9 to 13, 2025, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet will embark on a historic official visit to France, marking his first state-level engagement with the French Republic since assuming office in August 2023. The visit, undertaken at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron and United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, carries profound symbolic and strategic weight. It reflects not only Cambodia’s enduring gratitude to France but also the potential for a reinvigorated partnership between the two nations in an era of global uncertainty and regional transformation.

A Visit of Symbolic Depth and Strategic Significance

France and Cambodia share deep-rooted historical, cultural, and diplomatic ties dating back to the mid-19th century. While these relations have evolved significantly through the colonial, post-independence, and post-conflict periods, France has consistently played a vital role in Cambodia’s survival, sovereignty, and reconstruction. The upcoming visit signals Phnom Penh’s intention to preserve and strengthen this invaluable partnership in the 21st century.

Prime Minister Hun Manet’s visit takes place at a time when Cambodia seeks to diversify its diplomatic outreach, balancing relations with traditional partners such as China and ASEAN with broader engagement with the European Union, the United States, Japan, and France. It is not merely a ceremonial journey; it is a strategic reaffirmation of Cambodia’s commitment to multilateralism, cultural diplomacy, and global cooperation.

Honoring France’s Role in Safeguarding Cambodian Sovereignty

On behalf of the Cambodian people, I wish to express our deep appreciation to the government and people of France. Historically, France has stood as a guardian of Cambodia’s territorial integrity and international recognition, especially during critical moments when the kingdom’s very existence was under threat.

Following Cambodia’s independence from French Indochina in 1953, France remained an indispensable supporter of King Norodom Sihanouk’s policy of neutrality during the Cold War. Later, during the 1980s and early 1990s, France played a pivotal role in internationalizing the Cambodian peace process. The 1991 Paris Peace Agreements, which France co-chaired, laid the foundation for Cambodia’s national reconciliation and reconstruction under the auspices of the United Nations.

Had it not been for France’s moral and diplomatic intervention during those times, Cambodia might not have re-emerged as a recognized sovereign state. In this sense, France did not just support Cambodia — it helped to keep Cambodia alive on the world map.

This legacy must be remembered, honored, and built upon by today’s generation of Cambodian leaders and citizens. The current visit is an opportune moment to reaffirm this gratitude and to forge forward-looking cooperation across multiple domains.

A Blueprint for Comprehensive Partnership

Prime Minister Hun Manet’s itinerary in France is expected to include high-level bilateral meetings with President Macron, business forums with French investors, cultural diplomacy events, and potential exchanges with the Cambodian diaspora. Moreover, as a guest of the UN Secretary-General, Hun Manet will also engage in discussions that go beyond bilateral relations, including regional peace, climate change, and global governance reforms.

One of the key areas of interest is economic cooperation. France remains one of the most influential economies in the European Union and a major player in the Indo-Pacific strategy. Cambodia hopes to attract more French investments in key sectors such as renewable energy, green infrastructure, education, health, and tourism. In return, Cambodian exports — particularly agricultural products, garments, and handicrafts — could gain greater access to the European market, creating jobs and prosperity at home.

Additionally, cultural cooperation will remain a central pillar of Cambodia–France relations. The French language, educational institutions, and architectural heritage in Phnom Penh are lasting testaments to France’s influence in Cambodia. The role of institutions like the French Institute and the École française d'Extrême-Orient (EFEO) remains crucial in preserving and promoting Khmer culture and civilization. Prime Minister Hun Manet’s visit provides an excellent opportunity to expand programs in education, language training, and cultural exchange.

A Shared Vision for Peace, Multilateralism, and Human Development

France and Cambodia also share a commitment to multilateral diplomacy, peacebuilding, and the promotion of sustainable development. Both countries are members of La Francophonie and have long supported international frameworks that promote peace, human rights, and economic justice.

As global tensions rise — from the war in Ukraine to escalating rivalries in the Indo-Pacific — Cambodia sees France not only as a friend but also as a global partner that can help bridge the East and the West. Prime Minister Hun Manet’s government, which represents a younger and more technocratic generation of leadership, has repeatedly emphasized the importance of neutrality, independence, and regional peace — values that align closely with France’s own foreign policy objectives.

During his time in France, Hun Manet is expected to advocate for greater support in areas such as climate resilience, disaster risk reduction, and human capital development. These are shared priorities under both France’s development cooperation strategy and Cambodia’s national development goals.

A Relationship to be Preserved Forever

The relationship between Cambodia and France must not be seen merely through the lens of history or diplomacy, but as a dynamic and evolving partnership with shared values and mutual respect. France is not just an old friend of Cambodia — it is a foundation upon which modern Cambodia was rebuilt.

As a Cambodian citizen, I strongly believe that our country must continue to honor, value, and nurture our ties with France. Political transitions, economic trends, and global realignments may come and go, but the bonds between our nations must remain unshaken.

We are now in a position to shape the next chapter of this relationship — one that is inclusive, modern, and deeply rooted in mutual understanding. This means opening more opportunities for Cambodian students to study in France, increasing people-to-people exchanges, strengthening civil society cooperation, and supporting joint innovation in science, technology, and culture.

All in all, Prime Minister Hun Manet’s visit to France from June 9 to 13, 2025, is a landmark occasion. It is a gesture of respect to the past and a statement of intent for the future. It offers a platform to renew and deepen Cambodia–France cooperation across a spectrum of political, economic, and cultural domains. At a time when the world is facing complex challenges — from geopolitical instability to environmental crises — the friendship between Cambodia and France stands as a beacon of what nations can achieve when they uphold shared principles and mutual respect.

Let this visit remind us that diplomacy is not only about negotiation; it is also about gratitude, trust, and vision. And for Cambodia, France will always be more than just a partner — it is a true friend, a historical ally, and a bridge to the world.

Vive l'amitié entre le Cambodge et la France!

Long live the friendship between Cambodia and France!

Dr. Seun Sam, A Policy Analyst at the Royal Academy of Cambodia.