Cambodia head of state Hun Manet meets French president Emmanuel Macron on April 8, 2026. (Agence Kampuchea Press)
On April 26, Cambodia is advancing preparations to host the 20th Francophonie Summit which will take place in Phnom Penh on November 15-16 2026, with officials indicating that organisational work is progressing smoothly.
Luy David, Cambodian Ambassador to France and Vice President of the Political Committee of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) or the International Organisation for Francophonie, said that discussions are currently underway to prepare the summit’s draft declaration. The document, which will outline the key priorities and commitments of Francophone member states, is being developed through working meetings involving the OIF and France.
France is leading the Declaration Drafting Committee, while Cambodia serves as its vice-chair. According to Ambassador Luy David, close coordination with the OIF is ongoing to ensure the text reflects the collective vision of the Francophone community and supports the successful organisation of the summit.
Emphasising the symbolic importance of the event, the ambassador cited a message from Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni, who said that in 2026 “the Khmer smile will become the smile of Francophonie.” Cambodian authorities and the OIF aim for the gathering to become a significant milestone for cooperation among French-speaking nations.
In addition, French Ambassador to Cambodia, Olivier Richard, told the Agence Kampuchea Press that Cambodia is making extensive preparations to ensure the success of the event. He added that the summit would offer an important opportunity to expand partnerships between Cambodia and countries across the Francophone world.
The 2026 meeting will mark a notable moment for the region. The previous time Asia hosted the Francophonie Summit was in Vietnam in 1997, while the last sitting French president to visit Cambodia was François Mitterand in 1993. Nearly three decades later, Cambodia will welcome the Francophone community when the summit convenes in Phnom Penh.
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