Mayors from French speaking countries have explored the contentious border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand.
Taarifa political desk has learned that a delegation from the International Association of Francophone Mayors (AIMF) and its partners, led by AIMF Delegate General Frederic Vallier Thursday met with Phnom Penh city Governor Khuong Sreng to discuss cooperation and the situation along the Cambodia-Thailand border.
Sreng said, “in the 21st century, no country should invade another or destroy cultural heritage of global significance.”
Between July and December 2025, Cambodia and Thailand military fell out over disputed border.
The clashes resulted in severe destruction to the UNESCO World Heritage site Preah Vihear Temple and the 800-year old Ta Kwai (Ta Krabey) Temples along the border.
Cambodia condemned the strikes as a “barbaric” violation of cultural heritage, while the Thai Second Army Region maintained that Cambodian forces had occupied the ruins as a military position.
In connection with the 20th Francophonie Summit being hosted in Cambodia, Vallier said the AIMF would organise several side events in cooperation with the capital’s administration.
These include a regional conference for mayors and local government representatives under the theme “City Diplomacy for Peace and Local Development”.
