Phnom penh: The President of the Cambodian National Assembly and the newly appointed French Ambassador to Cambodia have lauded the long-standing friendship between the two countries during a courtesy meeting at the National Assembly Palace in Phnom Penh this morning. Samdech Maha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary and H.E. Olivier Richard highlighted the high-level exchanges of visits between Cambodian and French leaders and expressed anticipation for the visit of French President H.E. Emmanuel Macron to Cambodia in 2026 to attend the 20th Francophonie Summit in Siem Reap province.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, they underlined that the visit will provide a special opportunity to further strengthen cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, culture, and health, while also enhancing their partnership and reaffirming their shared commitment to international cooperation. Samdech Khuon Sudary confirmed she will travel to France again in October to attend the International Forum for Peace 2025 at the invitation of H.E. Ms. Ya«l Braun-Pivet, President of the French National Assembly, following her previous visit in 2024.

She also recalled the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the two National Assemblies, under which the French Assembly has supported the Cambodian National Assembly’s digital parliament project and facilitated short-term work exchanges for senior staff of the Cambodian General Secretariat. In addition, the National Assembly President urged the French side to help attract more investment from France to Cambodia, including the re-establishment of direct flights between the two countries, investment in the health sector, and expanded scholarship opportunities for Cambodian students and civil servants to study in France.