PM congratulates Lecornu, reaffirms Cambodia-France strategic partnership

Synopsis: Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet congratulates France’s new Premier Sébastien Lecornu and emphasises Cambodia’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and preparing for the 2026 Francophonie Summit.In a congratulatory message to his new French counterpart, Sébastien Lecornu, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet expressed his strong commitment and will to work with the French Premier in exploring new opportunities to elevate the Cambodia-France diplomatic relations.

In his letter, Mr Hun Manet extended his heartfelt congratulations to Lecornu on his appointment as Prime Minister of the French Republic on September 9.

“Your assumption of this high office marks a significant milestone in your political career and opens new opportunities for strengthening the friendship and cooperation between Cambodia and France, built on our shared history and common values,” the Cambodian Premier wrote.

Mr Hun Manet also declared Cambodia’s commitment to actively collaborating with the French government to strengthen and energise their existing strategic partnership.

“The Royal Government of Cambodia remains fully committed to working closely with your Government to give new momentum to our strategic partnership and to jointly prepare for upcoming events, including the Francophonie Summit to be held in Cambodia in 2026,” he wrote.

The Cambodian Premier also extended an invitation for his new French counterpart to make an official visit to the Kingdom.

“In this regard, I look forward to a potential visit from you to Cambodia,” he added. “Please accept, Mr Prime Minister, the expression of my highest consideration and my sincere wishes for great success in carrying out your new responsibilities.”

Born in 1986, Lecornu studied law at Paris 2 Panthéon-Assas University and served in a number of public service roles before his premiership.

From 2008 to 2012, he was an advisor to the Junior Minister for European Affairs, then to the Minister for Agriculture, Bruno Le Maire.

In 2014, he was elected mayor of Vernon, then president of the Departmental Council of Eure (2015). He was re-elected at the municipal elections in March 2020, appointed Departmental Advisor in June 2021, and once again appointed as President of the Departmental Council of Eure in July 2021.

Elected Senator in September 2020, Lecornu decided not to sit in the Senate to comply with the law on the non-accumulation of mandates and to continue to carry out his ministerial duties.

France and Cambodia have a special relationship due to their shared history, Francophonie and France’s role in furthering development in Cambodia following the 1991 Paris agreements. The Cambodian community in France also helps maintain these links.

French companies are more firmly established in Cambodia than those of any other Western country.

French-Cambodian cooperation is today present in the scientific and academic spheres and in French-language teaching.

KhmerTimekh