France and Cambodia have recently signed a $235 million aid agreement focused on the development of drinking water and energy infrastructure, as well as vocational training. The purpose of this deal is to strengthen bilateral relations between the two nations, which have had an ongoing relationship since Cambodia gained independence in 1953.
During Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet’s visit to France, he met with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace and announced the pact. This visit marked Hun Manet’s first official visit to a Western power since taking over from his father, Hun Sen, in August.
Hun Manet expressed his gratitude for France’s role in contributing to Cambodia’s economic recovery and development through the French Development Agency. He also expressed his hope that his visit to France, especially meeting with the president, would further strengthen the relations between Cambodia and France.
It is worth noting that France and other European Union countries had expressed concerns about Cambodia’s July election, where the main opposition party was not allowed to participate. France called for the release of jailed opposition politicians and for Cambodia to respect its democratic obligations under both international agreements and domestic law.
Before his visit to France, Hun Manet had visited Beijing, where he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Cambodia has historically supported China and has received significant investments, loans, and grants for infrastructure development in return.
Despite differences over political freedom and human rights, Cambodia’s democratic donors have chosen to focus on areas of cooperation with the new Cambodian government in Phnom Penh.
During Hun Manet’s visit, Macron commended Cambodia’s stance at the United Nations regarding Russia’s conflict with Ukraine, as Cambodia has consistently voted with Ukraine’s supporters in condemning Russia’s invasion.
However, Cambodian opposition leader Sam Rainsy, who is currently in exile in France, criticized Macron for legitimizing Hun Manet’s rule. Rainsy argued that engaging with dictators rather than denying them legitimacy ultimately enables their actions and suppresses opposition.
On the other hand, Sok Eysan, a spokesperson for the ruling Cambodian People’s Party, expressed that the visit demonstrated international recognition for the Cambodian government and its new prime minister.
Before his visit to France, Hun Manet also attended the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where he had discussions with Samantha Power, the head of the U.S. Agency for International Development, about opportunities to foster a more productive relationship.
While some have criticized Power’s approach for not addressing human rights concerns, others believe that engaging in dialogue and cooperation could lead to positive outcomes.
Overall, the aid agreement between France and Cambodia aims to enhance infrastructure development, vocational training, and bilateral relations. The visit of Hun Manet to France signifies an important step in strengthening ties between the two countries. However, differing opinions exist regarding the legitimacy and implications of engaging with leaders in Cambodia.
