Phnom Penh:Cambodia is firmly committed to ensuring the successful hosting of the 20th Francophonie Summit next week, as stated by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, H.E. Prak Sokhonn. The summit is anticipated to be one of the largest and most significant international events ever hosted by the Kingdom.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, thousands of delegates are expected to gather in Phnom Penh over the coming days to attend the summit and its various accompanying events. To date, 79 out of the 90 expected delegations have confirmed their participation, with more than 1,000 delegates anticipated. The confirmed participants include 20 Heads of State and Government, while 21 delegations will be led by deputy prime ministers, ministers and undersecretaries of state.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is set to have the largest delegation with approximately 211 members, followed by Vietnam with more than 150 delegates, and Canada with 124 representatives. Beyond the summit, the FrancoTech event has drawn around 4,600 participants, and a Francophone entrepreneurs' meeting is expected to gather about 1,200 entrepreneurs and business representatives from 72 countries.
The Francophonie Village will be a major attraction, showcasing a variety of products, cultural performances, tourism attractions, and culinary traditions from participating countries. These events will facilitate opportunities for countries to promote their national products, cultural heritage, tourism potential, and traditional cuisine, while fostering cultural exchanges and business connections among Francophone communities.
Logistics, hospitality, and security are highlighted as key priorities, with careful preparations and coordinated arrangements in place to ensure the smooth organization of the summit and its accompanying activities. Cambodia's hosting of the summit represents a significant international diplomatic endeavor, offering a platform to enhance its international profile, deepen cooperation among French-speaking countries, and showcase its culture, tourism, and economic opportunities to the world.
The International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) was established on March 20, 1970, in Niamey, Niger, initially named the Agency for Cultural and Technical Cooperation (ACCT). Cambodia is among its founding members, having officially joined in 1993. The organization currently comprises 90 member states and governments, including 53 full members, five associate members, and 32 observers.