AKP Phnom Penh, February 24, 2026 -- Cambodia and France have pledged to significantly bolster parliamentary and diplomatic cooperation, signaling a "new historic chapter" in their long-standing relations as the Southeast Asian nation prepares to host a major global summit.

During a high-level meeting in Phnom Penh on Tuesday, Cambodian National Assembly President Samdech Maha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary and H.E. Thomas Lam, President of the France-Cambodia Parliamentary Friendship Group, agreed to expand bilateral ties to deliver greater benefits to their respective citizens.

The discussions come at a pivotal moment for Cambodian diplomacy. H.E. Thomas Lam is leading a French parliamentary delegation on a six-day working visit (Feb. 23-28) aimed at laying the groundwork for two major events in November 2026: the 20th Francophonie Summit and an official state visit by French President H.E. Emmanuel Macron.

Samdech Khuon Sudary described France as a "trusted and reliable old friend," noting that the relationship has reached a new peak following recent high-level exchanges, including visits to Paris by His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni and Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet.

"This visit marks a new historic page in strengthening the long-term bonds between Cambodia and France," Samdech Sudary said, emphasising that the collaboration now spans both legislative and executive bodies.

The two sides highlighted several key areas for future cooperation: France will continue supporting the Cambodian National Assembly’s digital transformation and provide technical training for its Secretariat officials; Cambodia urged French authorities to encourage more investment and explore the resumption of direct flights between the two countries; Both parties emphasised that the upcoming summit is not merely about language, but serves as a vital platform for multilateralism and global peace.

The talks also touched on sensitive regional issues. Samdech Sudary expressed gratitude for a French parliamentary motion supporting Cambodia regarding its border disputes with Thailand, stating it helped the international community understand the "truth" of the situation.

The President of the National Assembly underlined that Cambodia, as a small nation that has endured war, needs peace, not war. 

The truth has been revealed to Cambodia at this moment through the official and historic visit of Cambodia’s Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet during his participation in the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace, held in the United States. This visit also highlighted to the world the suffering Cambodia has endured as a result of Thailand's aggression.

In a significant gesture of support, H.E. Thomas Lam confirmed that France is prepared to provide original historical documents to assist Cambodia in resolving these border issues.

"The upcoming visit by President Macron, coinciding with the Francophonie Summit, will unlock vast potential for our joint interests," he said, reaffirming France’s commitment to ensuring the success of Cambodia’s hosting duties.

By K. Rithy Reak