Cambodian Prime Minister has expressed satisfaction of his county hosting the 20th edition of the la Francophonie summit describing it as source of pride.
“For our country, this is a moment of pride, a moment of unity, and a moment of celebration,” said Prime Minister Hun Manet on Nov 13.
Manet made the remarks during the official opening of the la Francophonie village ahead of the Summit.
He stressed the power of shared language and culture to unite nations and foster peace and prosperity.
He said that the La Francophonie village had become an open gateway to each summit.
In Cambodia, however, Manet said the village carries particular significance, reflecting the country’s identity as a place where rivers and cultures converge.
“Now, it is Phnom Penh’s turn to open this gateway as the village is situated in the heart of the capital, near the ‘Four Faces,’ or Chaktomuk River, the confluence where the rivers meet,” the prime minister said.
“Here, the waters have come together, just as the Mekong has always flowed, and here, too, the people converge. Cambodia and the Francophonie share a long history.”
According to Manet the French language spoken among bloc members has the ability to bridge nations and bring people together despite their differences.
The Cambodian prime minister noted that la Francophonie, “encompasses vibrant cultures. It is a space of opportunity, commerce, and innovation.”
He added that it is also a community grounded in values including peace, human dignity and solidarity.
Cambodia joined the Francophonie as an observer in 1991 before becoming a full member in 1993.
It becomes the second country in Southeast Asia to host the event, following Vietnam in 1997.
