PHNOM PENH: King Norodom Sihamoni departed for France on Sunday morning to attend a conference on Angkor preservation in addition to meeting with foreign dignitaries and touring one of Cambodia’s sister cities.

The King left on November 12, accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs Sok Chenda Sophea and Minister of Culture and Fine Arts Phoeurng Sackona, as well as other dignitaries and government officials.

According to a Ministry of Foreign Affairs press release, "The historic visit is anchored in the spirit of long-standing relations of friendship between Cambodia and France, and follows celebrations marking the 70th anniversary of the independence of the Kingdom of Cambodia.”

The King will be received by French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Presidential Palace for official talks on November 13. On November 15, he will attend the Fourth Inter-Governmental Conference for the Safeguarding and Development of Angkor during the 42nd Session of the General Conference of UNESCO.

The King will also grant an audience to Madame Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, in recognition of the organization's contributions to the safeguarding and preservation of Cambodia's cultural heritage.

Other highlights of his program include a tour of the Château de Fontainebleau, situated in a town on the outskirts of the French capital which is a sister city of Siem Reap. He will also have the opportunity to inspect the archives of his father, the late King Norodom Sihanouk.