(Phnom Penh): Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of Cambodia, received Olivier Richard, the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the French Republic to Cambodia, for a courtesy visit and working meeting at the Peace Palace on Friday (Sep. 19).
During the meeting, Ambassador Richard expressed his deep gratitude to Samdech Thipadei for taking the time from his busy schedule to meet and engage in productive discussions. He emphasized that France and Cambodia have long-standing relations, which continue to be strengthened and expanded with growing momentum and resilience.
The ambassador reaffirmed his strong commitment to working closely with Cambodian ministries and institutions to further promote and elevate the bilateral relationship and cooperation, making it stronger, more prosperous, and more sustainable.
In response, Prime Minister Hun Manet warmly welcomed the newly appointed French ambassador and congratulated him on his assignment to Cambodia.
Samdech Thipadei expressed confidence that Ambassador Richard’s diplomatic mission would serve as an additional driving force in consolidating and advancing friendship and cooperation between the two countries at the level of government-to-government, people-to-people, and also between the private sectors.
He noted that the development of Cambodia–France relations reflects a dynamic framework for cooperation in a range of potential sectors and has opened new opportunities for both nations.
The two sides held discussions and agreed to further strengthen and expand bilateral cooperation in key areas including economy, trade and investment, education, health, energy, culture, and the environment.
On the issue of the Cambodia–Thailand border, Prime Minister Hun Manet expressed appreciation to French President Emmanuel Macron for his support of the previous ceasefire and briefed the ambassador on the latest developmentsregarding the border situation with Thailand. He reiterated Cambodia's firm position to resolve the border issue peacefully, based on existing bilateral agreements, treaties, and international law.
Ambassador Richard, for his part, informed the prime minister that he had personally visited the border areas and continues to closely monitor and report on the evolving situation to the French government.
=FRESH NEWS
