French-Speaking Nations Open Multicultural Village in Phnom Penh
French-speaking nations gathered in Phnom Penh on November 14 to inaugurate a multicultural village ahead of their 20th summit.
A banner reading “Dedicated to a smile for the French-speaking world” welcomed visitors on November 14 as they filled a blank map of Cambodia with photographs, chinanews.com.cn reported. Rwandan drums echoed nearby while Turkish and Moroccan chefs prepared roasted meats and stews. The events form part of the “French-Speaking World Cultural Village,” which runs from November 13 to 17 under the theme “Khmer smiles, French-speaking world smiles.”
The cultural village serves as an important public window for the summit, allowing different countries and peoples to gather beyond high-level political meetings, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said on November 13.
“The ‘French-Speaking World Cultural Village’ provides children learning French with the opportunity to closely understand the cultures, foods, and customs of different French-speaking countries,” Marina, a teacher at a Phnom Penh international school, told chinanews.com.cn.
Exhibits at the village combined modern technology with traditional craftsmanship from member nations. The French exhibition featured an AI-equipped tuk-tuk where visitors could converse with a digital avatar of Cambodian master singer Sinn Sisamouth, according to chinanews.com.cn. Romanian displays showed brightly colored folk masks alongside Cambodian theatrical elements, while Rwandan artists performed traditional music.
Local artisans also displayed handmade bamboo crafts, bronze brooches, and hand-painted artworks depicting Angkor Wat. Ahleisha, a local handicraft shop owner, said that organizers provided free exhibition booths to local artisans. Sihanoukville Governor Sok Sokchea presented regional products like coconuts and palm oil at the coastal province’s exhibition booth.
Cambodia will host the 20th summit of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) on November 15 and 16, the first time the country has held the event, according to Thông tấn xã Việt Nam. OIF Secretary-General Louise Mushikiwabo emphasized the historical significance of the 1997 Hanoi summit, which established the modern Francophone community and integrated economic cooperation into its agenda.
Mushikiwabo described Cambodia as an important gateway connecting the global Francophone community with Southeast Asia, according to 东盟头条. She praised Cambodia’s determination and resilience following its recovery from war and genocide.
“For us, Cambodia is our home in Southeast Asia,” Mushikiwabo told 东盟头条.
Vietnamese General Secretary and State President Tô Lâm arrived in Phnom Penh to attend the summit and met with Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni on November 14, cn.qdnd.vn reported. King Sihamoni reaffirmed traditional ties and expressed gratitude for Vietnam’s historical support.
“Vietnam is a great friend, close, friendly, and reliable neighbor of the Cambodian people,” King Sihamoni told cn.qdnd.vn.
Tô Lâm emphasized Vietnam’s priority in maintaining relations with Cambodia, expressing hope that upcoming anniversary events in 2027 will further strengthen bilateral ties and cultural exchange.
Hosting the summit demonstrates Cambodia’s capability to manage major international gatherings and provide a secure environment for tourism and foreign investment, Sihanoukville Governor Sok Sokchea stated on November 14, according to chinanews.com.cn. The summit officially opens discussions focusing on regional peace, sustainable stability, and economic cooperation through November 16.