French Ambassador Meets Phnom Penh Governor, Discusses Flood Control and Infrastructure Cooperation

Olivier Richard, the French Ambassador to the Kingdom of Cambodia, met with Khuong Sreng, Governor of Phnom Penh, at the Phnom Penh City Hall on July 23. The meeting focused on exchanging views on further strengthening the cooperative relationship between the two countries. Ambassador Richard noted that Phnom Penh has changed significantly and become more modernized compared to his visit 30 years ago. France has made substantial contributions to Cambodia in various sectors, including clean water, electricity, and others. The Ambassador revealed that discussions are ongoing through the French Development Agency (AFD) regarding flood control measures in the northern part of Phnom Penh. Although a formal contract has not yet been signed, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is expected to be concluded before the state visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Cambodia in November 2026. In response, Governor Khuong Sreng briefed the ambassador on the general situation and the development across all sectors in Phnom Penh in recent years. The Governor expressed gratitude for France's significant assistance to Phnom Penh over the past 30 years in areas such as clean water, electricity, and other infrastructure. He also highlighted France's crucial role in bringing peace to Cambodia through the Paris Peace Accords. Furthermore, the Governor assured the ambassador that the Phnom Penh administration is fully prepared for the security and safety measures required for the organization of the Francophonie Summit in November 2026, particularly for the French President. This meeting underscored France's continued support for Cambodia's economic development and infrastructure, as well as the deepening diplomatic ties between the two nations. Flood control is a pressing issue, especially in Phnom Penh, where climate change impacts are a growing concern, making international cooperation vital.