The diplomatic relationship between France and Cambodia is gaining new momentum, marked by ambitious cooperation projects and high-level visits designed to take the partnership to the next level.
During a May 5 roundtable discussion with the Club of Cambodian Journalists, Jacques Pellet, French ambassador to Cambodia, outlined a roadmap for strengthening this bond through strategic investments in key areas like governance, human rights, climate resilience and cultural exchange.
“The relationship between France and Cambodia has gained significant traction since the end of 2022,” said Pellet.
He emphasised the progress made through planned high-level people-to-people exchanges, including the upcoming 2026 visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Cambodia, on the occasion of the Francophonie Summit.
“This visit will underline the depth and commitment of our cooperation,” he added, emphasising its importance for future diplomatic and economic ties.
French foreign assistance has taken a central role in sustainable development, with the French Development Agency (AFD) committing over €1.5 billion ($1.7 billion) to projects in Cambodia over the past three decades.
In 2024 alone, AFD provided a record €215 million ($244 million) to support the Kingdom’s growth in water management, agriculture, energy and climate resilience.
One of the flagship projects is the Bak Kheng Water Treatment Plant Phase 3, a €200 million ($227 million) initiative aimed at ensuring 100 per cent access to clean water for Phnom Penh’s population by 2030.
This is just one of several AFD-backed projects aiming to bolster Cambodia’s resilience to the challenges posed by climate change.
The Svay Chek Reservoir Restoration Project, with €91 million ($103 million) in funding, is another example, targeting improved water access for agriculture and enhanced ecosystem restoration.
“These projects are designed not only to provide critical infrastructure but also to ensure that Cambodia’s development is sustainable and resilient to future challenges,” Pellet remarked.
“This is a partnership that is based on solidarity and sustainable growth for a safer, more resilient world,” he added.
Currently, over 25,000 Cambodian students are learning French, with the French Institute in Cambodia seeing a 30% increase in students from 2023 to 2024.
France is also investing in French language training for Cambodian teachers, with a €1 million ($1.1 million) fund dedicated to this cause in preparation for the Francophonie Summit in 2026.
“For two years, the French embassy in Cambodia has been leading a project to support French language teaching in public secondary and high schools in Cambodia, providing 350 teachers with the opportunity to receive training in France, as well as in the Asia-Pacific region and Cambodia,” Pellet noted.
This partnership also extends to the preservation of Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage.
France has long been a key player in the restoration of Angkor and other historic sites through its collaboration with the Cambodian government and UNESCO.
Since 1993, France has invested over €56 million ($63.5 million) into heritage projects, including the restoration of the Western Mebon Temple and ongoing studies of Phnom Penh’s historical buildings.
“This trusting cooperation is based on the multilateral commitment of France, which has been fulfilling its role for 30 years as co-chair of the International Committee for the Coordination of the Protection and Development of the Angkor and Sambor Prei Kuk Sites,” Pellet explained.
He added that the recent opening of an exhibition of Khmer bronze statues and artifacts, including a statue of Vishnu, at the Guimet Museum in Paris, in partnership with the National Museum of Phnom Penh, reflects this excellent cooperation.
France is also heavily involved in the health sector in Cambodia.
The French government, through its global health policy and local partnerships, has been instrumental in training over 1,200 Cambodian medical professionals and providing substantial funding to fight diseases like HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.
France is the second-largest donor to Cambodia’s health sector, committing $7 million for the period of 2024-2026.
“Through our health cooperation, we aim to enhance Cambodia’s ability to address global health challenges, and to ensure that future generations benefit from a healthier, more sustainable environment,” Pellet said.
The ties between France and Cambodia also extend to defence cooperation, which has strengthened in recent years.
French language training for the Cambodian military, along with joint peacekeeping training and officer exchanges, are part of a broader strategy to enhance regional stability and security.
The economic side of the relationship is also flourishing, with bilateral trade between France and Cambodia increasing by 8.3 per cent in 2024, reaching €1.48 billion ($1.68 billion).
French businesses, including giants like Total, Vinci and Accor, have established a strong presence in Cambodia, creating jobs and contributing to the growth of sectors such as construction, energy, and tourism.
Pellet concluded, “Our partnership is based on solidarity and shared values, and we are committed to building a future that is both prosperous and resilient”.
