AKP Phnom Penh, April 25, 2025 --

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence, H.E. General Tea Seiha, met with French Ambassador to Cambodia H.E. Jacques Pellet here early this week to discuss deepening bilateral defence cooperation.

The meeting focused on strengthening ties ahead of the 80th anniversary of cooperation between the two nations in 2026.

General Tea Seiha emphasised the longstanding historical relationship between Cambodia and France, highlighting the continued growth of cooperation between their armed forces.

He expressed gratitude for France's ongoing support in military training, particularly for Cambodia's new generation of officers.

Ambassador Pellet noted the strong connection between the two nations, citing the approximately 400 Cambodian military personnel who have received training in France over the past 30 years. He also confirmed that President Emmanuel Macron is expected to attend the Francophonie Summit in Cambodia in 2026, coinciding with the 80th anniversary, providing an opportunity to further elevate strategic cooperation.

H.E. General Tea Seiha requested increased French assistance in modernising Cambodia's armed forces infrastructure, specifically requesting additional training programmes and the deployment of French military instructors to the National Defence University, the Institute of Health Sciences, and Thmat Pong Active Military School.

Ambassador Pellet reaffirmed France’s commitment to supporting Cambodian defence institutions, including the National Centre for Peacekeeping Forces, Mine and ERW Clearance (NPMEC) and the Active Military School. He pledged to continue and expand defence training assistance.

Both sides also engaged in strategic discussions on the joint development of a national defence white paper, as well as addressing regional and global security challenges, armed conflicts, and economic and trade issues.

By K. Rithy Reak