Cambodia has officially opened a 'Francophonie village" in its capital, Phnom Penh, bringing together cultures, music, food and traditions from across the French-speaking countries ahead of the 20th Francophonie Summit.
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The village was inaugurated on Friday, November 13, by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Louise Mushikiwabo, Secretary-General of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF), during a ceremony at Wat Botum Park.
Running until November 17, the village is expected to welcome approximately 100,000 visitors from Cambodia and abroad. It is free and open to the public.
It features 73 pavilions representing Francophone countries and partners, alongside 130 exhibition booths showcasing products, initiatives and expertise from institutions, businesses and artisans.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Hun Manet said the village represents an opportunity to celebrate Cambodia&039;s relationship with the Francophone community while bringing people from different backgrounds together.
"For our country, this is a moment of pride, a moment of unity, and a moment of celebration,” he said.
He added that French is more than a language for Cambodia, describing it as "a language of memory” and also "a language of study, knowledge, and friendship.”
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Visitors can also explore a gastronomy section with 30 food booths, attend conferences and roundtable discussions, and watch cultural performances throughout the event.
Mushikiwabo said the village reflects the diversity of the Francophone community and the importance of creating opportunities for people to meet beyond formal diplomatic gatherings.
"This is also the magic of the Francophonie bringing together peoples, histories and sensibilities that might otherwise never have had the chance to cross paths,” she said.
The opening ceremony also featured performances by Cambodian artists and Rwanda's national ballet.
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