PHNOM PENH – Prime Minister Hun Manet has met French President Emmanuel Macron to take steps towards upgrading diplomatic relations to a strategic partnership, a goal for both countries by 2026.
“France is a good friend to Cambodia,” Hun Manet said. “Both countries are working together to enhance diplomatic relations and establish a strategic partnership in the near future.”
The countries are preparing a roadmap document to elevate the relationship.
Both leaders also discussed strengthening cooperation in trade, economy, national defense, security, energy and culture.
Hun Manet is attending the United Nations Ocean Conference, co-hosted by France and Costa Rica in the French city of Nice from June 9 to 13, alongside more than 50 heads of state and government and representatives from over 120 countries, including scientists, activists and business leaders.
Policy analyst at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, Sam Seun, said the relationship upgrade has a more special meaning than with other countries, considering their history dating back to the colonial period.
He pointed out that France was also involved in the territorial claims between Cambodia and Thailand around 1904 and 1907.
Banteay Meanchey, Siem Reap and Battambang provinces were returned to what was then French Indochina by Siam, now Thailand, as part of the 1907 Franco-Siamese Treaty.
“Without France, it was hard to say whether Cambodia, a small country sandwiched between its invasive neighbors, still had the territory,” said Seun.
France’s recognition as a good friend was a significant benefit for Cambodia and added value to the relationship, as both countries are deeply intertwined in history and culture.
However, he said both countries should foster relationships and cooperation in sectors beyond cultural work, highlighting France’s investment and economic opportunities in Cambodia as an opportunity to attract young people to learn about France and its language.
The Paris Peace Agreement of 1991 and the French Development Agency’s assistance for peace, stability, democracy and socio-economic growth have contributed to the long-standing relationship between France and Cambodia.
During the meeting with Hun Manet, Macron said he plans to send a delegation, including the Minister of Commerce, to Cambodia to promote trade and economic partnership, highlighting Cambodia’s expertise in mine clearance and continuing support for the defense sector.
Cambodia is hosting the upcoming 20th Francophonie Summit in 2026 and Macron pledged to give his full support.
According to the General Department of Customs and Excise, trade between Cambodia and France reached $509.7 million in 2024, down 1.2 percent from 2023’s volume, which was $515.21 million, which is also 5 percent less than the $542.37 million in 2022.
France is Cambodia’s second-biggest business partner in Europe. Most of the goods France trades with Cambodia are agricultural and food products, medicines, metal and metal products.
A number of French multinational corporations and small and medium-sized enterprises have established facilities in Cambodia. These include Vinci, Total Energies, Accor and BRED Bank.
Cambodia maintains its connection to France, even though the Everything but Arms trade concession has partially been withdrawn by the European Union.
France was the first European country Hun Manet visited when he became Prime Minister in 2023.
