PHNOM PENH: His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni has already left for France on Wednesday morning. The King will attend the 41st General Assembly of the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization or UNESCO. With his absence in the Kingdom of Cambodia, the King has permitted the Senate President, Say Chhum to lead the closing ceremony of the Independence Day on Thursday.

In a letter released last Friday, King Norodom Sihamoni has announced that he will be out of the country from 10 to 15 November. The King is attending the UNESCO’s 41st General Assembly. The assembly is being held in France in line with UNESCO 75th anniversary. There will be an exhibition entitled "UNESCO Adventures" that showcases the history of UNESCO and its achievements, including in the protection of intangible heritage and the expansion of the notion of cultural heritage.

Cambodia’s King will deliver a message at the opening ceremony of the General Assembly. With his absence in the Kingdom of Cambodia, King Norodom Sihamoni has appointed Senate President Say Chhum to act as the head of state. He will also represent the King on the closing ceremony of the Independence Day on Thursday. The senate president will be the one to extinguish the “Victory Torch” at the Independence Monument.