Paris: Cambodia and France are committed to further strengthening and expanding bilateral cooperation across key sectors, with both sides agreeing to work toward elevating their relations to a Strategic Partnership in the near future.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the commitment was made during a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet and French President H.E. Emmanuel Macron on April 8 in Paris, France, on the sidelines of the One Health Summit and during the Prime Minister's working visit from April 6 to 9.

Both leaders held productive discussions aimed at deepening long-standing ties and enhancing collaboration in priority areas, including trade, economy and energy, defense and security, culture and heritage, health, education, and tourism.

President Macron expressed his pleasure at meeting the Cambodian Prime Minister again and reaffirmed France's enduring friendship with Cambodia. He also commended Samdech Thipadei's leadership and thanked him for attending the One Health Summit, while expressing his anticipation for a state visit to Cambodia and participation in the 20th Francophonie Summit in Phnom Penh later this year.

In response, Samdech Thipadei congratulated France on successfully hosting the One Health Summit and underscored the long-standing relations between the two countries. He also conveyed appreciation for France's contributions to Cambodia's peace process and socio-economic development, and welcomed the French President's upcoming visit.

During the meeting, the Cambodian Prime Minister also briefed President Macron on the Cambodia-Thailand border situation, reaffirming Cambodia's commitment to resolving border issues peacefully in accordance with international law and existing bilateral agreements.