AKP Phnom Penh, February 18, 2025 --

As the host for the 20th Francophonie Summit next year, Cambodia is moving forward with the preparations for this important event, according to a news release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. 

On Feb. 17 in Phnom Penh, Deputy Prime Minister, H.E. Prak Sokhonn, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, received a courtesy call by Mr. Christophe Gigaudaut, Delegate for Francophone Affairs of the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, at the Ministry.

During the meeting, Mr. Christophe Gigaudaut shared his experiences in organising the 19th Francophonie Summit in France last year with Cambodia's team for the preparations of the upcoming event. 

The term "francophonie" appeared at the end of the 19th century – under the pen of French geographer Onesime Reclus – to describe all peoples and countries using French. 

Francophonie was officially established on Mar. 20, 1970. Cambodia became the observer member, at the 4th Francophonie Summit in Chaillot, Paris, France in November 1991, and becomes a full member, at the 5th Francophonie Summit in Grand-Baie in Mauritius in October 1993.

The International Organisation of La Francophonie now has 93 member states including 56 full members, 5 associate members and 32 observers.

By Heng Panha