Hun Sen Meets Romanian Candidate for Francophonie Chief

Hun Sen Meets Romanian Candidate for Francophonie Chief

PHNOM PENH, June 17, 2026 — Cambodia’s Acting Head of State Hun Sen on Wednesday called for stronger cooperation among members of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), saying deeper collaboration was needed to enhance the organization’s influence and effectiveness on the international stage.

The remarks came during a meeting in Phnom Penh with Dacian Julien Cioloș, special adviser to the President of Romania and a candidate for the post of Secretary-General of the Francophonie.

According to the Cambodian Senate, Hun Sen said the Francophonie, which currently has 53 full member states, should strengthen cooperation among its members to further expand its role in promoting multilateralism and international collaboration.

He also emphasized the importance of boosting economic cooperation within the Francophonie framework, particularly in trade and investment, arguing that stronger economic ties could reinforce political relations among member countries.

Hun Sen further suggested that Francophonie members should consider increasing mutual support on international platforms to strengthen the organization’s collective voice in global affairs.

Cioloș said Cambodia and Romania enjoy good relations and expressed hope that bilateral cooperation would continue to expand. He also discussed the role of the Francophonie in strengthening multilateralism and international cooperation.

The Romanian official congratulated Cambodia on hosting the upcoming Francophonie Summit in November, describing it as an important opportunity for the Southeast Asian nation to contribute to the organization’s future direction.

During the meeting, Cioloș conveyed greetings from Romanian President Nicușor Dan to King Norodom Sihamoni and Hun Sen. The Cambodian leader, in turn, sent his regards to the Romanian president.

Cioloș also informed Hun Sen that the Romanian president and a delegation of business leaders are expected to visit Cambodia during the Francophonie Summit later this year.

Cambodia will host the 20th Francophonie Summit in November, bringing together leaders and representatives from French-speaking countries amid growing efforts by the organization to expand its economic, cultural and diplomatic cooperation.