French Ambassador Olivier Richard (L) during a courtesy visit to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet at the Peace Palace in 2025. (AKP)
Cambodia will be hosting the 20th Francophonie Summit in Phnom Penh this November. The summit is expected to strengthen economic, cultural and diplomatic ties between the country and French-speaking nations, according to a statement on March 29 by the French ambassador to Cambodia, Olivier Richard.
The summit would highlight Cambodia’s longstanding relationship with the International Organisation of the Francophonie (OIF). He noted that the late King Norodom Sihanouk was among the leaders who helped establish the organisation with Senegal, Tunisia and Niger. He added that Cambodia has continued to play an important role in promoting the Francophonie movement in the Asia-Pacific region. Hosting the summit demonstrates the country’s commitment to the organisation and to strengthening cooperation among French-speaking nations.
The summit will also mark the return of the Francophonie Summit to the region for the first time in nearly three decades, since Vietnam hosted the sixth summit in 1997. Ambassador Richard described the upcoming gathering as a historic occasion for the region. Moreover, it will bring together heads of state and government from French-speaking countries to discuss key priorities, including strengthening geopolitical partnerships, enhancing economic cooperation and advancing development initiatives. This summit is also a platform for dialogue among member states across five continents, united by their shared use of the French language.
Cambodia is one of 90 states and governments that are members or observers of the OIF, which represents an estimated 396 million French speakers worldwide.
About The Author
