Phnom Penh (FN), Nov. 19 – Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni arrived Cambodia on Sunday (Nov. 19) after concluding one-week official visit to France.

On 12 November 2023, the king departed for France for an official visit from 12-18 November 2023 at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron.

"The king was accompanied by Cambodian Foreign Minister Sok Chenda Sophea and Minister of Culture and Fine Arts Phoeurng Sackona as well as other dignitaries and senior officials of the Royal Government of Cambodia," according to the press release dated 10 November 2023.

The historic visit is anchored in the spirit of long-standing relations of friendship between Cambodia and France, and follows celebrations marking the 70th anniversary of the independence of the Kingdom of Cambodia.

The king received by President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Presidential Palace for official talks on 13 November 2023.

The king graced the Fourth Inter-governmental Conference for Safeguarding and Development of Angkor during the 42nd Session of the General Conference of UNESCO on 15 November 2023.

Cambodian king also granted an audience to Director-General of UNESCO Audrey Azoulay in recognition of the organisation's contributions to safeguarding and preservation of Cambodia's cultural heritage.

Other highlights of the king's program include tour of the Château de Fontainebleau, situated in a tow on the outskirts of the French capital which is a sister city of Siem Reap, and an opportunity to inspect the archives of Cambodian late King Father Norodom Sihanouk.
=FRESH NEWS