Cambodia and France Discuss Enhanced Cultural Cooperation, Modernization of National Archives and Libraries

Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the National Committee for Khmer Culture, History, and Civilization, Mr. Vongsey Vissoth, held a working meeting with Ms. Catherine Pégard, France's Minister of Culture, to discuss strengthening cooperation in the cultural sector. This cooperation focuses on modernizing and developing the National Archives and National Library in line with international standards, built upon the strong foundation of Khmer national identity. Deputy Prime Minister Vongsey Vissoth requested the French Ministry of Culture to continue providing cooperation and technical expertise to Cambodia for the modernization and development of the National Archives, National Library, and National Museum, as well as for cooperation in research on Khmer history, civilization, and culture. He emphasized the Cambodian government's long-term vision, which prioritizes and values the preservation and modernization of the National Archives and National Library to safeguard important national documents as national heritage and to protect the nation's memory from the past. In response, Ms. Catherine Pégard highly praised the cultural cooperation as a symbol of relations between the two countries and commended the Cambodian government for placing great importance on archival, historical, and cultural work. The Minister affirmed that the French side is pleased to provide technical support for Cambodia's long-term plan for the modernization of the National Library and National Archives, in addition to existing cooperation projects. The meeting, held on the afternoon of September 15 in Paris, also saw Mr. Vongsey Vissoth and Ms. Catherine Pégard exchange views and discuss other matters within the framework of cultural cooperation between the two countries, as well as cooperation between the Cambodian Prime Minister's Office and the French Ministry of Culture in preparation for the state visit of President Emmanuel Macron to Cambodia at the end of 2026. The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted the historical relations and close bonds of friendship between Cambodia and France over many centuries. He highly valued France's contribution to Cambodia's peace, national reconciliation, restoration, and development in all sectors, including its support and promotion of Cambodia's cultural sector.