Cambodia looks to strengthen Francophonie's role in cultural exchange, trade, and innovation

Kuala Lumpur -- Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet affirmed on Friday that his country looks forward to enhancing the role of the International Organization of La Francophonie as a “space for cultural exchange, trade, innovation, and a vibrant culture not limited to the French language.” This statement came during Manet’s speech at the opening ceremony of the Francophone Village, held at Wat Phnom in the Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh, on an area of approximately 10,000 square meters. The event featured the participation of the Organization’s Secretary-General, Louise Mushikiwabo, as part of the side activities accompanying the 20th Francophone Summit, scheduled for next Sunday.

Manet explained that the International Organization of La Francophonie “is built on a set of shared values, foremost among them peace, human dignity, and solidarity,” stressing that cultural diversity represents the essence of La Francophonie as a framework that unites different peoples and cultures based on shared human values. He added that his country paid special attention to youth during the establishment of the Francophone Village, regarding them as the generation that will continue to learn, gain experience, and foster creativity and innovation, thereby contributing to the development of cooperation among French-speaking communities.

He noted that the 20th Francophone Summit, held under the theme “Reinvesting in Peace for Shared Prosperity and Lasting Stability,” “carries deep meaning for the Cambodian people and reflects Cambodia’s experience in overcoming wars, rebuilding, and maintaining stability through patience and perseverance.” He pointed out that hosting the summit represents a historic event for Cambodia, as it is the first time the country has hosted meetings of Francophone heads of state and government, and marks the return of the summit to Southeast Asia for the first time since it was held in Hanoi, Vietnam, in 1997.

Manet recalled the historical ties linking Cambodia to the Francophone community, noting that Cambodia joined the Organization as an observer in 1991 before becoming a full member in 1993. He added that the French language is part of the country’s historical memory and a means of education, knowledge, and friendship.

For her part, Mushikiwabo expressed in her opening address her appreciation for the Cambodian government and people for their warm welcome and the efforts made in organizing the Francophone Village, which is considered one of the most prominent events accompanying the 20th Summit of the Organization. She explained that the Village “embodies a long-standing tradition of the Organization, which goes beyond political and diplomatic meetings to allow for cultural exchange, celebrate diversity, and enhance communication among peoples.”

In this context, she revealed the results of several Organization programs, including assisting nearly 100,000 women since 2020 in establishing or developing economic activities, and contributing to the registration of one million people in civil status records. She also stressed that “peace is not limited to the cessation of fighting but also requires reconstruction and development,” citing the experiences of Southeast Asian countries in overcoming wars and enhancing education and economic transformation. She noted that the number of French speakers reaches approximately 396 million, according to the Organization’s 2026 report, emphasizing the importance of strengthening cooperation among member states and benefiting from the developmental and economic experiences of countries in the region.

The Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh, is scheduled to host the 20th Francophone Summit on November 15 and 16, following the transfer of the rotating presidency from France to Cambodia. Delegations from 79 countries and governments will participate in the summit’s proceedings to discuss international crises, resolve existing conflicts, and enhance peace, as well as economic, technological, and cultural cooperation.

The summit precedes the meetings of the 48th session of the Francophonie Ministerial Conference, scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday, while leaders will convene next Sunday. Closed-door sessions to elect the Secretary-General will be held on Monday, followed by the announcement of expected decisions regarding the Phnom Penh Declaration and on crises and the protection of cultural heritage. The International Organization of La Francophonie was established in 1970 and comprises 90 member states and governments, including 53 full members, five associate members, and 32 observers. (End) A.B./N.B.S.