France Supports Cambodia’s Candidacy for the Host of 2026 Francophonie Summit
Phnom Penh, November 14, 2023 --
France has expressed its support and encouragement for Cambodia to host the Francophonie Summit in 2026.
The pledge was made by H.E. Emmanuel MACRON, President of the French Republic, in the official talks at the Élysée Presidential Palace in Paris on Nov. 13 with His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath NORODOM Sihamoni, King of Cambodia.
For his part, His Majesty the King underlined Cambodia's pride to host of the 2026 Francophonie Summit and appreciated France for its support which would reflect its willingness to strengthen its important presence in Asia.
The Cambodian monarch also thanked France for its key role in continuing the intergovernmental mechanism on the preservation of the Angkor site for another 10 years (2023-2032), and expressed high expectations for the study, restoration and expansion project of the National Museum by French experts; the cooperation between the National Museum and the Guimet Museum; and the restoration of a bronze statue of Vishnu, as well as the exhibitions of Khmer artifacts in France and different museums.
H.E. Emmanuel Macron took the opportunity to invite His Majesty the King to attend the 19th Francophonie Summit in Paris on Oct. 4-5, 2024. His Majesty the King invited the French President and his spouse to attend the 20th Francophonie Summit in 2026 in Cambodia, while H.E. President expressed his pleasure to accept the invitation.
The Francophonie Summit is the highest authority in the Francophonie. It is held every two years and gathers the heads of State/Governments of all member states.
Currently, the International Organisation of La Francophonie comprises 88 member states and governments (54 full members, 7 associate members and 27 observer members).
His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni has been on a week-long visit in France since Nov. 12. While staying there, the Cambodian monarch will grace the Fourth Inter-Governmental Conference for the Safeguarding and Development of Angkor during the 42nd Session of the General Conference of UNESCO on Nov. 15.