Prime Minister Hun Manet (left) meets with La Francophonie (OIF) secretary-general Louise Mushikiwabo in Paris on January 15. STPM
Louise Mushikiwabo, secretary-general of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF), has encouraged the Cambodian government to share its experiences in maintaining stability and peace with French-speaking countries and the world.
Mushikiwabo met with Prime Minister Hun Manet on January 15, during the latter’s inaugural visit to Paris from January 13-19.
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At the meeting, she praised the achievements of the Manet-led government in the last 100 days, while voicing her support for Cambodia hosting the next OIF summit in 2026.
“I asked Cambodia to keep sharing its experiences in maintaining stability and peace with French-speaking countries in Africa and beyond, including non-French-speaking nations. Cambodia has a history of sharing and demonstrating advancements in preserving peace in the region and the globe,” she said.
She suggested that Cambodia should also continue sharing its experiences encompassing the economy, tourism and other essential areas, along with preserving the cultural use of the French language.
Manet said Cambodia takes pride in continuing to maintain the heritage and culture of using the French language, noting that the Kingdom has fostered excellent relations and cooperation with French-speaking countries.
“Approximately 40 per cent of our new Cabinet can speak French. This shows Cambodia’s commitment to using the language in administrative affairs and communications with various countries worldwide,” he said.
Yang Peou, secretary-general of the Royal Academy of Cambodia (RAC), said that countries worldwide fundamentally rely on stability for social and political well-being. Without political stability or peace, nations or regions would face challenges in developing their societies, let alone upholding human rights and freedom.
“The primary values for developing countries are maintaining peace and political stability. In the past 25 years since 1998, Cambodia has achieved comprehensive peace and social stability,” he said in reference to the year when the Kingdom eventually witnessed national reconciliation with the reintegration of the remaining Khmer Rouge soldiers.
“Peace and social stability have brought us to this point, allowing the country to engage on the international stage. Cambodia has actively participated in international affairs, contributing to global peace. Therefore, in my view, maintaining peace is fundamental for every nation,” he said.
