PARIS: French President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed his government’s commitment to assisting Cambodia in various fields during a meeting with Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni in Paris on November 13.

President Macron said that Cambodia would continue to receive assistance in the health care sector through human resource training, support for animal-to-human disease prevention programs, Tele-Surgery and the use of artificial intelligence. He also expressed his commitment to preserve and promote Cambodian culture as seen through the project to restore and expand the National Museum in addition to restoring a bronze statue of Vishnu to be displayed in France. He also promised to dispatch experts to Cambodia to study and renovate the Napoleon III Pavilion in the Royal Palace.

The President also expressed France’s support and encouragement for Cambodia to host the Francophonie Summit in 2026. The Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) is an international organization representing countries where French is spoken, or where French culture has had a notable impact. The convention to create it was signed in 1970 by 21 states and governments, including the King’s late father, King Norodom Sihanouk. It is currently comprised of 88 members who meet biannually to discuss topics centered around a particular theme. Next October, it is being held in France, with an invitation extended from the French President to the King.

King Norodom Sihamoni expressed his gratitude for all the assistance provided by the French Government towards Cambodia’s economic and social development, especially when it comes to preserving the Angkor Wat archaeological site and Cambodia’s cultural artifacts in general.