The Francophonie Village opened in Phnom Penh on Friday, November 13, launching five days of cultural events alongside Cambodia’s hosting of the 20th Francophonie Summit.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Louise Mushikiwabo, Secretary-General of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF), attended the opening ceremony.
Set up at Wat Botum Park, the village is open to the public and brings together national pavilions, exhibitions, cultural performances, discussions and food from across the Francophone world.
Its programme is designed to showcase the community’s cultural diversity and encourage exchanges among its members.
Rwanda is represented at the gathering by President Paul Kagame, who is in Cambodia for a state visit and to attend the summit. His visit is also an opportunity to discuss stronger bilateral relations and cooperation with Cambodian leaders.
The summit is especially significant for Rwanda because Mushikiwabo, a Rwandan, is seeking a third term as OIF Secretary-General.
Member states are due to choose the organisation’s next leader during the summit, scheduled for November 15 and 16.
The Francophonie Village will remain open until November 17, extending the summit’s focus beyond diplomatic meetings and giving visitors a chance to experience the cultures, traditions and ideas of Francophone countries.
