PHNOM PENH: French President Emmanuel Macron has invited Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet for an official visit January 18-19, 2024. According to the invitation, King Norodom Sihamoni’s visit in November reminded the French president of the strength of the friendship between the two countries. He said that the PM’s visit would solidify bilateral relations in the economy, development, defense, heritage and a shared interest in French language and culture.

As part of the European Union, France condemned the elections that put Prime Minister Hun Manet in place as undemocratic. However, President Macron says he holds the PM in high consideration and is eager to meet with him to discuss the economy, development and “joint methods to reinforce global order” which will “guarantee the sovereignty and full independence of all states.”

If the invitation is accepted, this will be Prime Minister Hun Manet’s first visit to Europe as Cambodia’s prime minister. Having made his international debut at the ASEAN Summit barely a month into his term, he has since had successful state visits to China, Vietnam and the UN General Assembly in New York.