Phnom Penh, 30 September 2025 — Samdech Maha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary, President of the National Assembly of the Kingdom of Cambodia, received H.E. Olivier Richard, Ambassador of the French Republic to Cambodia, in a courtesy call at the National Assembly Palace on Tuesday morning.

During the meeting, Samdech Khuon Sudary noted the long-standing friendship between Cambodia and France, built on mutual respect, trust, and shared interests. She expressed confidence that Ambassador Richard’s mission will further deepen cooperation for the benefit of both nations.

Samdech underscored the importance of high-level exchanges in advancing bilateral ties and said she will lead a parliamentary delegation to the Paris Peace Forum in October, thanking France for coordinating Cambodia’s participation.

Samdech Khuon Sudary recalled that disputes with Thailand stem from maps prepared during the French colonial era and the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding, which were recognized internationally. Cambodia relies on these legal instruments, while Thailand uses unilateral maps. She welcomed President Emmanuel Macron’s pledge to provide necessary historical documents and to support ASEAN’s peace mechanisms.

She emphasized Cambodia’s aspiration to live peacefully with its neighbors while remaining committed to turning its borders into frontiers of friendship, peace, stability, cooperation, and development. 

“Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet has shown great restraint and perseverance in seeking peaceful solutions, prioritizing the well-being of our people above all else,” she said, stressing that Cambodia, having endured the bitter legacy of war, does not want its citizens to suffer hardship again.

Ambassador Richard conveyed France’s sympathy to Cambodian people affected by recent border tensions and displacement, and affirmed that all developments had been duly reported to Paris. He pledged France’s continued support for peacebuilding and regional stability.

Looking ahead, Samdech Khuon Sudary highlighted the importance of the upcoming state visit of the French President and the 2026 Francophonie Summit in Cambodia, saying the events will promote collective wisdom, shared political will, and stronger commitment to peace, inclusion, and sustainability.

For his part, Ambassador Richard reaffirmed France’s commitment to strengthening cooperation in politics, economy, culture, and education. He pledged close coordination with Cambodian institutions for the upcoming state visit and the Francophonie Summit.

“I believe we can build on the longstanding friendship between our two countries to make our cooperation even stronger,” he affirmed.

Samdech Khuon Sudary also thanked the French National Assembly for providing e-parliament training to Secretariat-General officials and welcomed further cooperation in trade, tourism, education, health, and environmental protection. She added that the newly inaugurated Techo International Airport will enhance connectivity, including through direct Air France flights.