Cambodia Welcomes New French Ambassador, Urges Support for Border Peace

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Sept.18, 2025) — Acting Head of State Samdech Techo Hun Sen met with newly appointed French Ambassador Olivier Richard on Wednesday, expressing hope for stronger bilateral ties and urging France to support peace efforts along the Cambodia-Thailand border.

The meeting took place at the Senate Palace in Phnom Penh, where Hun Sen welcomed Richard’s swift arrival following the departure of his predecessor. “Your prompt deployment reflects France’s value on its relationship with Cambodia,” Hun Sen said, according to Senate spokesperson Chea Thirith.

Samdech Techo Hun Sen praised the longstanding partnership between the two countries, highlighting French contributions to Cambodia’s development, including support for the rubber sector, clean water initiatives, and human resource training. He called for deeper economic and trade cooperation, saying, “I hope to see our trade volume grow even further.”

Ambassador Richard expressed gratitude for the warm reception and reaffirmed France’s commitment to strengthening ties. He also informed Hun Sen of preparations for a state visit by French President Emmanuel Macron to Cambodia in 2026, which he said would “further elevate bilateral relations.”

Addressing regional tensions, Samdech Techo urged France to closely monitor the situation at the Cambodia-Thailand border and encourage both sides to fully implement the ceasefire agreement signed in July. “We are not asking France to take sides,” Hun Sen said. “We simply hope France will help promote patience and full compliance with the ceasefire to restore normalcy.”

In response, Ambassador Richard assured Samdech Techo Hun Sen that France is paying close attention to the border issue and will continue to follow developments. He also voiced optimism about expanding trade and cooperation between the two nations in the years ahead.