Hun Manet Says No Prosperity Without Peace as Francophonie Summit Opens

By Vijian Paramasivam

PHNOM PENH, Nov 15 (Bernama) -- Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet opened the 20th Francophonie Summit on Sunday with a strong message emphasising peace as a prerequisite for growth.

He said peace must make a real difference in people's lives. It must create jobs, income, and schools for children.

“These are the things that keep people away from conflict. Cambodia knows this well. Peace has enabled us to rebuild our country and achieve growth.

“But prosperity means sharing that growth. Peace would bring Francophone and ASEAN businesses closer. Peace would be the bridge to enhance our shared prosperity,” Hun Manet said in his welcome remarks at the summit.

Also present at the summit opening today were Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni and French President Emmanuel Macron.

Macron and his wife, First Lady Brigitte Macron, arrived in Cambodia on Saturday for a state visit and to attend the November 15 and 16 summit.

Addressing heads of state and delegates from more than 80 countries, Hun Manet said Cambodia wants a peaceful border with Thailand.

“Our intention is clear. We want a border of peace and cooperation with Thailand, a border that protects both our countries and brings our peoples closer together,” he said.

Cambodia and Thailand have been embroiled in a territorial border dispute after armed clashes erupted in July 2025, and a maritime dispute over overlapping Gulf of Thailand claims that is now undergoing proceedings before a United Nations-backed conciliation commission.

“The ceasefire of December 27 2025 is holding, but the situation remains complex and fragile,” he said.

Cambodia is the second Southeast Asian country to host the Francophonie Summit. Vietnam's capital Hanoi hosted the event in 1997.

Organiser, the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF), promotes French-language cooperation, education, cultural exchange, and economic partnerships among its members.

-- BERNAMA