France Pledges Support to Enhance Cambodian Military Capabilities

France has pledged to support Cambodia's defense sector by strengthening the capabilities of its military. This commitment was conveyed by General Stephane RICHOU, Director of Security and Defense Cooperation Directorate of France, during a meeting with Lieutenant General CHAY SANGYUN, Permanent Secretary of State at the Cambodian Ministry of National Defense. During the meeting held at the Ministry of National Defense in Phnom Penh on the morning of September 14, 2026, General RICHOU affirmed that the French side is committed to contributing to the development of the Cambodian army in response to all requests from the Cambodian side. He highly valued the long-standing and very close friendship between Cambodia and France, and mentioned several matters that the Directorate of Security and Defense Cooperation of France will cooperate with the Cambodian army on in the future. In response, Lieutenant General CHAY SANGYUN thanked the French government and Ministry of National Defense for their consistent support to the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, particularly in training, equipment provision, and enhancing the capacity of peacekeeping forces in humanitarian sectors. He stated that these aids have enabled Cambodia to achieve successive successes in fulfilling its missions under the United Nations umbrella. Through General RICHOU's visit to Cambodia, Lieutenant General SANGYUN expressed hope that bilateral cooperation between the Cambodian and French armies will continue to move forward towards a closer partnership. Notably, during the meeting, Lieutenant General CHAY SANGYUN also informed the French official about the border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand. Regarding this border issue, General RICHOU reaffirmed France's support for peaceful resolution and indicated that the Directorate of Security and Defense Cooperation of France has a role to play in assisting Cambodia, with Cambodia being able to work with the French Defense Attaché and Head of Cooperation Mission in Cambodia on various mechanisms to resolve this dispute. Source: Kampuchea Thmey Local