PHNOM PENH — Before completing his tenure as ambassador to Cambodia, Jacques Pellet spoke with Cambodianess’ Ky Soklim, reflecting on a range of accomplishments spanning education, health, and cultural heritage. At the same time, he expressed continued support for peaceful dialogue and welcomed the effective ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand amid ongoing border tensions.
Ky Soklim: After four years in Cambodia as Ambassador, what is your personal and professional assessment of this experience?
Jacques Pellet: I was fortunate to assume my post in October 2021, just after the COVID-19 lockdowns had ended, which allowed us to quickly resume the embassy’s normal activities. The first major event we hosted in the gardens of the Residence was to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the French Development Agency (Agence française de Développement, AFD). We had a great turnout, and I believe everyone was happy to return to normal life. On a personal note, I was deeply touched by the warm welcome extended to me — something that remained constant throughout my mission. Overall, I draw a very positive balance from these four years in Cambodia. Thanks to a dedicated and cohesive team, we were able to significantly deepen relations between our two countries.
Ky Soklim: In your view, which sectors have seen the most progress in France-Cambodia cooperation in recent years?
Jacques Pellet: The AFD, which has been present in Cambodia for over 30 years, plays a key role in supporting sustainable and resilient development. It has mobilized over €1.5 billion in financing, including a record volume of sovereign loans in 2024, amounting to €215 million. In 2025, projects are focusing on water management, agriculture, and energy — always in partnership with Cambodian institutions to address their priorities. I’m thinking of the Bakheng water treatment plant, now entering its third phase, as well as efforts to restore irrigation systems to enhance climate resilience, and the sustainable coastal and marine fisheries project, developed with the Ministry of Agriculture (MAFF) and the Asian Development Bank to improve productivity and resilience in the coastal sector.
Our defense cooperation has also grown stronger, with high-quality training in three key areas: French language instruction for military personnel (170 officers and cadets were trained in 2025), officer training, and pre-deployment preparation for Cambodian peacekeepers participating in UN missions. I’m pleased to see a growing alumni network forming among military personnel.
The health sector remains a cornerstone of our partnership, particularly in training young doctors and fostering close ties between Cambodian and French medical professionals. The French National Academy of Medicine was recently present in Cambodia, underscoring these connections.
In the digital sector, France is working closely with the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications (MPTC) and the Cambodia Academy of Digital Technology (CADT) to support the country’s digital transformation and help train young Cambodian researchers.
We have also expanded our cultural and heritage collaboration, notably through partnerships between the Guimet Museum, EFEO, APSARA, C2RMF, and the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts. A prime example is the restoration of the Reclining Vishnu statue, now on display at the Guimet Museum in Paris as part of the exhibition on the royal bronzes of Angkor.
Ky Soklim: Since the first elections in 1993, in which field has France provided the most support to Cambodia, and why?
Jacques Pellet: For the past 30 years, human resource training has been the central focus of the France-Cambodia partnership. It has always been a priority, as it is crucial for the country’s future. This is a long-term endeavor. Law, medicine, engineering, and archaeology are among the core sectors we emphasize.
Ky Soklim: Since 1993, how many Cambodian students and researchers have been awarded French government scholarships?
Jacques Pellet: Since 2014, over the past ten years, 1,214 scholarships have been awarded across various programs. In the health sector alone, more than 1,200 young Cambodian doctors have received training in France since 1996.
Ky Soklim: After their studies in France, what career paths do these scholars typically follow? Do most return to the public or private sector in Cambodia?
Jacques Pellet: Many of our alumni return to the same public or private institutions they were affiliated with before their studies, bringing new skills with them. Public-sector scholars, for instance, who are co-funded by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports (MoEYS) and the CADT, sign a letter of commitment to return.
Some aim to join ministries such as the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, or the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports. Others go back to their original universities to pursue academic research. A significant number are recruited by the private sector, often in leadership positions, and some even start their own companies.
These scholarship recipients generally seek to contribute to Cambodia’s development in both the public and private sectors, especially in areas where they already have experience. Proficiency in French remains a professional advantage, and the Embassy actively works to connect alumni with the French business community in Cambodia.
Ky Soklim: In which sectors are French investors currently most involved in Cambodia, and why?
Jacques Pellet: French investors are present in strategic sectors such as transport infrastructure, energy, agro-industry, tourism, health, and finance. Vinci, for instance, operates two of Cambodia’s three international airports through its Vinci Airports subsidiary, while its major projects division (Vinci Grands Projets) is building a large water treatment facility in Bakheng. Other companies are focusing on renewable energy and essential public services, with several new projects in development. In agro-industry, French firms are involved in food processing and export-oriented initiatives. A wholesale fresh produce market is also being considered by a Cambodian investor, with French technical expertise.
Tourism continues to benefit from the presence of French hotel groups like Accor. In the health sector, investments support hospital development and pharmaceutical supply chains. BRED Bank — the only French and European bank operating in Cambodia — is helping to modernize the financial sector.
France is one of Cambodia’s leading Western investors, with official FDI surpassing $650-million. However, this figure doesn’t capture the full extent of French economic involvement, as many ventures are carried out through local partnerships or regional hubs. These investments have been bolstered by Cambodia’s sustained economic growth, investor-friendly environment, and, above all, the strength of our long-standing bilateral relationship.
Ky Soklim: France and Japan have co-chaired the ICC of Angkor for over 30 years. How do you view the work accomplished by the ICC?
Jacques Pellet: The ICC has proven to be a truly unique international mechanism, ideally suited for addressing complex challenges while preserving the authenticity of this exceptional site. In recent years, more and more high-level Cambodian experts have taken the lead in presenting their work at the ICC — a development that should be welcomed and celebrated.
We also need to keep in mind that, with the growth of tourism and increasing population pressures, it is essential to involve local communities and protect the site’s universal value. The ICC plays a vital role in supporting this approach. I thoroughly enjoyed taking part in its well-organized sessions, which were always conducted in a professional and collegial atmosphere.
Ky Soklim: Which achievements do you consider most significant?
Jacques Pellet: There are quite a few! At Angkor, the ICC has provided a unique platform for dialogue for over three decades. I would highlight France’s restoration of the Baphuon (1995–2011), and since 2012, the joint restoration of the West Mebon with APSARA — a project that has also served as a training ground for sharing expertise.
I’ve also noticed increasing interest among Cambodians in heritage-related professions — from archaeology and architecture to hydrology, anthropology, religion, and stone carving. ‘The Angkor Bronzes: Art of the Divine’ exhibition at the Guimet Museum, with the Reclining Vishnu as its centerpiece, is a symbol of the rich scientific and archaeological collaboration between our two countries.
We’ve also initiated a feasibility study to extend and renovate the National Museum of Phnom Penh — a project I hope will ultimately result in one of the region’s leading museums.
Ky Soklim: What do you see as the main current and future challenges for French-Cambodian cooperation?
Jacques Pellet: Our cooperation is dynamic, but it must continue to demonstrate its long-term value. The past 30 years have shown that ambitious goals can be achieved. However, as Cambodia prepares to graduate from LDC status, we must adapt our cooperation to address emerging challenges — particularly global ones like climate change and digital transformation.
It’s equally important to ensure that our partnership continues to be grounded in shared values: multilateralism, international law, good governance, democracy, and human rights. This calls for ongoing, trust-based dialogue, where no issue — however sensitive — is off the table.
Ky Soklim: You are leaving Cambodia at a time when tensions along the Thai border are escalating. What stance does France intend to take in this conflict?
Jacques Pellet: President Emmanuel Macron said it best: “The time has come to silence the weapons.” We welcome the return to dialogue between Cambodia and Thailand, as well as the ceasefire announcement, which must be fully upheld. France supports ASEAN’s central role in resolving regional disputes and welcomes the mediation efforts led by (Malaysian) Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The July 28 announcement should serve as the foundation for a durable, peaceful resolution in line with international law. France remains ready to contribute to international efforts — particularly those led by ASEAN — in this regard.
