Cambodia has been officially chosen to host the 20th Francophonie Summit in 2026, a prestigious international event that brings together French-speaking countries from around the world.
The announcement was made on Saturday during the 19th Francophonie Summit, which took place in France last week. King Norodom Sihamoni, who represented Cambodia at the event, expressed his deep gratitude for the honour of hosting the upcoming summit.
The 19th Francophonie Summit, held from October 4 to 5 at the historic Villers-Cotterêts Palace, located just 80 kilometres from Paris, saw the participation of 88 member states and governments, including Cambodia. King Sihamoni presided over the summit alongside French President Emmanuel Macron and other global leaders representing the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) member nations.
During the closing ceremony, OIF announced on its social media platform X: “See you in Cambodia, the land of Father Founder Norodom Sihanouk, for the 20th Francophonie Summit in 2026.”
This recognition honours the late King Father Norodom Sihanouk, King Sihamoni’s father, who was a staunch advocate for the French language.
In his address, King Sihamoni highlighted Cambodia’s commitment to the French-speaking world, referencing the deep cultural ties between Cambodia and the Francophonie community. He stated, “On behalf of the Kingdom of Cambodia, I express my deep gratitude for the honour you have bestowed upon me by choosing my country as the host of the 20th Francophonie Summit. We hope to share with other Francophone communities the unique aspects of Francophonie in the Asia-Pacific region.”
King Sihamoni paid tribute to his late father, noting that King Father Sihanouk cherished the French language and made it an integral part of Cambodian diplomacy and cultural identity. He quoted prominent figures in the Francophone world, including Aimé Césaire, a Lebanese poet, emphasising the importance of French as a unifying language that fosters communication and cultural exchange across diverse identities.
He added, “Beyond our cherished diverse identities, we are bound by this common heritage, this language that allows us to exchange and nourish each other with our respective experiences, without renouncing our multiple identities. My country reaffirms more than ever its strong attachment to Francophonie.”
The King also underscored the significance of cultural and linguistic diversity as drivers of human development and multilateralism, which he said are essential in a world facing violence and disruption. He praised the economic opportunities that arise from the Francophone community’s engagement with Asia, particularly in collaboration with the African continent, and expressed optimism about future economic missions between Francophone countries and Cambodia.
With great enthusiasm, King Sihamoni invited Francophonie member states to Cambodia in 2026, where they will have the opportunity to discover the nation’s cultural heritage and natural beauty. He described Cambodia as a country rich in both material and immaterial cultural assets, where UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Angkor temples showcase the harmony between nature, spirituality, and innovation.
“Cambodia, with its rich cultural heritage, will offer a captivating setting highly conducive to promoting an open Francophone cultural diplomacy,” the King said. He concluded his speech with a warm invitation: “In 2026, the Khmer smile will be the smile of Francophonie.”
Cambodia took centre stage at the “Village of the Francophonie”, held in conjunction with the 19th Summit of the Francophonie, at the Centquatre-Paris.
Sok Chenda Sophea, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, attended the inaugural ceremony of the event, which aims to highlight the cultural richness and economic potential of the Francophonie countries. The “Village of the Francophonie” showcases a variety of products, traditions, and artistic expressions from its member states.
According to Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, during his visit on Friday, Chenda Sophea toured the Cambodian booth, which featured traditional crafts and cultural displays, and warmly greeted Louise Mushikiwabo, Secretary General of the OIF.
He also met with Thani Mohamed Soilihi, Secretary of State for the Francophonie and International Partnerships, at the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs.
Speaking in a past interview with Khmer Times, Chenda Sophea underscored the significance of the Francophonie Summit for Cambodia: “The summit would be a golden opportunity for Cambodia to showcase to the world what the Kingdom looks like in the 21st century,” he said.
Kin Phea, director general of the Royal Academy of Cambodia’s Institute of International Relations, also remarked on the significance of Cambodia’s role as an active member of OIF. He pointed out the diplomatic, economic, and cultural benefits that Cambodia can leverage through its participation in the Francophonie Summit.
(Source: khmertimeskh)