Prime Minister Hun Manet meets with Francophonie secretary-general Louise Mushikiwabo in Paris on January 15. STPM
Jean-Francois Tain, minister delegate attached to the prime minister for foreign affairs, said that hosting the 2026 Francophonie Summit is a chance for Cambodia to showcase its progress on the international stage, signalling that it is no longer a war-torn country.
Tain shared these insights during a January 20 press conference discussing Prime Minister Hun Manet’s recent official visit to France and the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
“The Francophonie, boasting 88 members, draws delegations from nearly 100 countries. Should the summit unfold in Cambodia, it will illuminate the nation’s new trajectory – a vision close to the heart of former Prime Minister Hun Sen,” he said.
“Presenting Cambodia anew, it has evolved beyond the scars of war, shedding the violence of the genocidal Khmer Rouge era. While the nation still requires foreign assistance, it’s time for a shift in the opinions of foreigners towards Cambodia,” he stressed.
Tain said the summit could reshape perceptions, portraying Cambodia as an emerging investment destination and a full-fledged trading partner. The linchpin here is the stability of Cambodian society.
Independent socio-economic analyst Chey Tech noted that the biennial summit, hosted by France this year, prompts Cambodia to explore the prospect of hosting it in 2026. This move could fortify unity among Francophonie member countries, encompassing major nations like France, Canada and Switzerland, alongside representation from Asia and Africa.
“Hosting this event would enhance diplomacy, elevate Cambodia’s international standing, and particularly bolster relations with member countries. Additionally, the cultural benefits would provide extra support for conserving our cultural heritage. It’s also an opportunity to showcase Cambodia’s tourism potential globally,” he said.
Tech said the summit could facilitate trade relations, enabling member countries to explore investing in Cambodia. It creates opportunities to receive support in French language education and development aid, especially in digital technology, aligning with the government’s objectives.
Kin Phea, director of the Royal Academy of Cambodia’s (RAC) International Relations Institute, said that hosting the summit would be a great honour for the nation, both in the regional and global arenas. It would serve as a major backbone for promoting bilateral relations between Cambodia and France, with the potential for France to act as a bridge for the Kingdom in its relations with the EU.
He added that hosting this event would allow the country to showcase its potential, particularly in tourism, with numerous delegations and international journalists visiting Cambodia.
He stated the desire for the government to leverage the meeting to enhance French language education in Cambodia, addressing its recent decline. He envisions transforming Cambodia into a regional French language training centre.
French President Emmanuel Macron has offered his full support for Cambodia’s bid to host the 20th Francophonie Summit in Phnom Penh.
During their recent discussions, Manet highlighted Cambodia’s capacity for this significant event, emphasising the promotion and enhancement of the use of the French language.
Manet engaged with Macron, putting forth his initiative to explore the establishment of a regional cultural and language centre in Cambodia.
He proposed achieving this through encouraging investment in the form of a public-private partnership, fostering a long-term collaboration between the government and the private sector.
