PM announces agenda for Paris summit with French president

PRIME Minister Hun Manet intends to bring environmental, climate and peacekeeping issues to the agenda for his discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron, during his visit to Paris next week.

Macron invited Manet for bilateral meetings from January 18-19 in the French capital. The visit will coincide with Manet’s trip to the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland.

In his January 8 letter to Macron, Manet thanked the French leader for the invitation, saying he looked forward to the discussions.

Mentioning the recent visit of King Norodom Sihamoni to Paris, Manet noted that Cambodia and France have made great strides in strengthening their partnership.

“To continue this momentum, during my visit, I intend to strengthen our cooperation more deeply in major sectors, with a special focus on environmental challenges, energy transition, climate change and the promotion of peace in the world,” said the letter.

“The strengthening of our economic ties, the sharing of sustainable development strategies, defence cooperation, the celebration of our cultural heritage and the promotion of the Francophonie constitute the pillars of our bilateral relationship,” it added.

Manet noted that he expects the discussions to contribute to a deeper mutual understanding and beneficial joint initiatives.

He reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to engaging in these efforts, recognising the importance of the partnership for the people of both nations, as well as the international community.

“France holds the distinction of being the first European nation that [Manet] will visit since assuming office in late August last year,” said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, in a January 3 statement.

It described the upcoming Manet-Macron summit as representing an opportunity for both nations to renew their commitment to elevating traditional relations to new heights, while enhancing their cooperation within bilateral and multilateral frameworks in ways that will be mutually beneficial.

It added that the visit will also strengthen their collaboration on tackling global challenges and upholding a rulebased international order.