Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni, Prime Minister Hun Manet and his Spouse, and Secretary-General of the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) Louise Mushikiwabo presided over the official welcome ceremony for leaders and representatives of nearly 90 countries, including 25 Heads of State and Government, as well as representatives of Francophone institutions and international and regional organizations.
In her opening remarks, Mushikiwabo underscored the relevance and significance of the theme of this year summit, Reinvest in Peace for Shared Prosperity and Sustainable Stability", amid rapidly evolving and increasingly complext global developments.
She stressed that Francophone Community must further promote its role and responsibility, serving not only a shared space for language and culture, but also a forum for promoting dialogue, building trust, and enhancing solidarity and cooperation among countries, thereby making practical contributions to the international community's collective efforts to resolve conflicts, maintain peace, and consolidate foundations for sustainable development and shared prosperity.
In his welcome remarks, Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni expressed Cambodia's honor to host the 20th Francophonie Summit, saying this is an important event for Cambodia and the Francophone Community as well.
He called on countries to transform political commitments into concrete actions to promote dialogue and cooperation.
Meanwhile, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet affirmed Cambodia's trong commitment to the shared goals and values of the Francophone Community, while putting foward three initiatives on conflict prevention and mediation, artificial intelligence and higher educational connectivity, and establishment of a Francophone Economic Cooperation Center in Phnom Penh to link businesses and investors across the Francophone Community.
French President Emmanuel Macron underscored the importance of the Francophone Community's role in promoting multilateralism, respect for international law and the United Nations Charter.
He called on the Francophone Community to further consolidate, build consensus, enhance cooperation in education and training, innovation, trade, and investment./.