Cambodia Reaffirms Deep Friendship and Gratitude Toward France
Prime Minister Hun Manet (right) meets with Olivier Richard, French ambassador to Cambodia. FM
#Opinion
As Cambodia looks forward to July 14, France’s vibrant National Day known as Bastille Day, the Kingdom reaffirms its deep friendship and profound gratitude toward the French Republic.
July 14 marks the anniversary of the Storming of the Bastille in 1789, a historic event that symbolizes liberty, equality and fraternity — values that resonate strongly with Cambodia’s own journey toward peace, development and national unity. This special day provides a timely occasion to celebrate the enduring bonds between our two nations and to express heartfelt thanks for France’s steadfast support across many decades.
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The relationship between Cambodia and France is rooted in a shared history that dates back to the 19th century. In 1863, Cambodia became a French protectorate under King Norodom, a move that helped safeguard the Kingdom from regional pressures. While that era ended with independence in 1953 under the leadership of King Norodom Sihanouk, it left a lasting legacy in language, culture, architecture and institutions.
France played a pivotal role again in the modern era by hosting the 1991 Paris Peace Accords, which helped bring an end to years of conflict and paved the way for Cambodia’s rebirth as a peaceful, developing nation.
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Today, the friendship has evolved into a forward-looking partnership based on mutual respect and shared ambitions. Both countries are working toward elevating ties to a Strategic Partnership level by 2026, with high-level visits and concrete roadmaps underscoring this commitment. Cambodia warmly celebrates Bastille Day each year, often through events hosted by the French Embassy in Phnom Penh, as a gesture of solidarity with the French people.
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France has been a consistent and generous partner in Cambodia’s development journey. One of the most visible areas of cooperation is the preservation of cultural heritage.
French expertise has been instrumental in the restoration and safeguarding of the magnificent Angkor temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site and source of immense national pride for Cambodians. Through the International Coordinating Committee for Angkor (ICC-Angkor), France has co-chaired efforts with Japan for over 30 years, helping to protect these ancient treasures for future generations while promoting sustainable tourism.
Recent projects also include support for the modernisation of the National Museum of Cambodia, further strengthening cultural ties.
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In education, France’s contributions have opened doors for thousands of young Cambodians.
Every year, approximately 150 Cambodian students receive scholarships to pursue higher studies in France across fields such as science, technology, medicine and humanities.
Programmes like the French government scholarships, Excellence Eiffel and Erasmus+ have built human capital that directly supports Cambodia’s growth. French-language education and cultural centres continue to thrive, reinforcing the Francophonie values that both nations cherish. Vocational training initiatives, supported by the French Development Agency (AFD), focus on practical skills in key sectors, preparing Cambodia’s workforce for the demands of a modern economy.
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Health cooperation stands out as another pillar of friendship. France has supported the training of Cambodian doctors and contributed to projects such as the Cambodia-France Friendship Hospital.
These efforts have strengthened Cambodia’s healthcare system, improving access to quality medical services for ordinary citizens. In addition, France provides valuable technical assistance in public health capacity building, helping the Kingdom respond more effectively to challenges.
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Economically, France is one of the leading Western investors in Cambodia. French companies operate in strategic sectors including infrastructure, energy, tourism, agri-food and finance.
Major names such as Vinci Airports, TotalEnergies, Accor and Décathlon have made significant contributions, creating jobs and transferring technology. The AFD has committed substantial funding — including over €200 million in recent pledges — for sovereign loans targeting economic growth, clean water production, energy development and vocational training.
Bilateral trade has grown steadily, reaching around €1.48 billion in recent years, with strong potential for further expansion.
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In the area of defence and security, France has supported Cambodia’s participation in UN peacekeeping operations and promoted professional development for Cambodian forces. This cooperation enhances regional stability and reflects shared commitments to multilateralism and international law.
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Beyond these tangible projects, France’s support carries deeper symbolic value. It demonstrates a genuine belief in Cambodia’s potential as it progresses toward middle-income status.
Cambodian leaders, including Prime Minister Hun Manet, have repeatedly expressed their appreciation during high-level engagements, emphasising that France is not merely an aid provider but a trusted long-term friend. The upcoming elevation to Strategic Partnership will open new avenues in trade, investment, digital technology, green energy and people-to-people exchanges.
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On this Bastille Day, Cambodia extends its warmest congratulations to the French people and government. We celebrate the spirit of renewal and progress that July 14 represents. As Cambodia continues its path of peace and prosperity under the Royal Government, we remain deeply grateful for France’s consistent solidarity — from heritage preservation and education to health, infrastructure and economic development.
Looking ahead, the future of Cambodia-France relations is bright. With a shared roadmap toward 2026 and beyond, both nations are poised to build an even stronger partnership that benefits our peoples and contributes to regional and global stability. Cambodia reaffirms its commitment to this enduring friendship, rooted in history and flourishing in cooperation.
As fireworks light up the skies in France tomorrow, hearts in Cambodia will join in celebration. Thank you, France — for your support, your friendship and your faith in Cambodia’s bright future.
Dr. Seu Sam is a policy analyst at the Royal Academy of Cambodia. The views and opinions expressed are his own.
-Phnom Penh Post-
