France, Cambodia mark 80 years of defence and military cooperation

France, Cambodia mark 80 years of defence and military cooperation

PHNOM PENH, Jan 20, 2026 — France and Cambodia are marking 80 years of military and defence cooperation in 2026, underscoring a long-standing partnership that dates back to the establishment of France’s first military instruction missions in Cambodia in 1946.

The French Embassy in Cambodia said on Tuesday the cooperation began on Jan. 1, 1946, with the creation of the French Military Instruction Missions, predecessors of today’s Mission for Defence and Security Cooperation at the embassy. The milestone marks eight decades of defence collaboration and military ties between the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces and the French Armed Forces.

Today, Franco-Cambodian defence cooperation focuses on four key areas: support for command structures and advanced officer training, including at Cambodia’s Officer Training School; French-language instruction within the military; initial training for Cambodian officers; and the preparation of Cambodian peacekeeping contingents prior to their deployment on United Nations peacekeeping missions.

France has played a key role in supporting Cambodia’s participation in UN peacekeeping operations, including training conducted at Cambodia’s National Centre for Peacekeeping Forces. Officials said the anniversary reflects enduring defence ties and continued cooperation in capacity-building, peacekeeping, and professional military development.