AKP Phnom Penh, October 23, 2026 --

France has reaffirmed its commitment to the principles of the Paris Peace Agreements on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the signing of the historic accords, which paved the way for the restoration of peace and the reconstruction of Cambodia after several decades of conflict.

“Thirty-five years ago, the Paris Peace Agreements were signed. These agreements brought an end to several decades of conflict and paved the way for the return of peace and reconstruction in Cambodia,” the French Embassy in Cambodia wrote on its official Facebook page on Oct. 23.

France, which hosted the conference leading to the signing and co-chaired it with Indonesia, reaffirms its full commitment to the legacy of the principles enshrined in the Paris Peace Agreements and incorporated into Cambodia’s Constitution, the embassy stressed, adding that these principles remain essential values for ensuring stable and sustainable development that respects fundamental rights and freedoms.

“Since then, France and Cambodia have been building a partnership rooted in this shared history and oriented towards the future,” it stated.

It is worth recalling that the Paris Peace Agreements were signed by four Cambodian parties, including Samdech Techo Hun Sen, representing the Cambodian Government at the time; the FUNCINPEC movement, represented by Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk and Samdech Krom Preah Norodom Ranariddh; the Khmer People’s National Liberation Front, led by Son Sann; and the Democratic Kampuchea (Pol Pot) faction, represented by Khieu Samphan.

The signing took place in the presence of international witnesses from 18 countries, including the United Nations Secretary-General at the time. The agreements established an international framework for a comprehensive political settlement and national reconciliation.

However, the signing of the agreements did not immediately end the civil war in Cambodia, as the Khmer Rouge continued their armed activities. Lasting peace was achieved later through the Royal Government’s Win-Win Policy, which brought the civil war to an end in 1998 and ushered in a new era of peace and stability throughout the country.

By C. Nika