(Phnom Penh): Olivier Richard, the newly appointed French Ambassador to Cambodia, said that France pays close attention to the Cambodia–Thailand border issue and will continue to monitor the situation regularly.

The ambassador spoke on Thursday (Sep.18) during a courtesy call on Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen at the Senate Palace.

Chea Thyrith, Senate Spokesperson, said that regarding the Cambodia–Thailand border situation, Samdech Techo asked the French side to pay further attention, particularly in encouraging both parties to fully implement the ceasefire. Samdech Techo told the ambassador that the ceasefire remains fragile, and what Cambodia seeks is not for France to blame any side but rather to urge both sides to exercise greater patience in order to fully observe the ceasefire and return to normalcy.

In response, the ambassador affirmed that France is paying very close attention to the border issue between Cambodia and Thailand and will continue regular monitoring. On bilateral ties, he also expressed hope that Cambodia–France relations will further advance, especially through the expansion of trade in the future.

Taking this occasion, Samdech Techo Hun Sen welcomed the ambassador’s arrival to Cambodia, noting that his swift assumption of duty following the departure of the former ambassador clearly reflects France’s value on Cambodia–France relations. Samdech expressed hope that the ambassador’s presence will further promote the ties between the two countries.

The ambassador thanked Samdech Techo for allowing him and his delegation to pay a courtesy call on. He also voiced his delight at the positive and ongoing development of Cambodia–France relations. Richard further informed Samdech Techo of his preparations for the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Cambodia in 2026, expressing hope that the visit will strengthen Cambodia–France relations.

Samdech Techo Hun Sen expressed his satisfaction and readiness to welcome President Macron, while also highlighting Cambodia’s appreciation of France’s past support for Cambodia’s development, especially assistance in the early rubber industry, clean water sector, and human resource training. He further emphasized the need for both sides to make additional efforts to expand bilateral economic and trade cooperation beyond the current level, aiming for greater growth in the future.
=FRESH NEWS