French President Emmanuel Macron will make a state visit to Cambodia from November 14 to 16, 2026, marking the first visit of a French president to the Kingdom in more than three decades and opening a new chapter in bilateral relations.
According to Cambodia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Macron will be accompanied by First Lady Brigitte Macron and is visiting at the invitation of King Norodom Sihamoni. The French president will also participate in the 20th Francophonie Summit, which Cambodia is hosting in Phnom Penh.
The visit will include an audience with King Norodom Sihamoni at the Royal Palace, meetings with Senate President Hun Sen and Prime Minister Hun Manet, and a joint appearance with the King at the closing ceremony of the Western Mebon Temple renovation project in Siem Reap.
Several cooperation agreements and documents are expected to be signed, covering areas including the economy, investment, culture and defence.
Key Facts
French President: Emmanuel Macron.
State visit dates: November 14–16, 2026.
Accompanying guest: First Lady Brigitte Macron.
Invitation: King Norodom Sihamoni.
Major event: 20th Francophonie Summit in Phnom Penh.
Royal engagement: Audience with King Norodom Sihamoni at the Royal Palace.
Government meetings: Senate President Hun Sen and Prime Minister Hun Manet.
Cultural heritage programme: Closing ceremony of the Western Mebon Temple renovation in Siem Reap.
Expected agreements: Economy, investment, culture and defence.
Historical significance: First French presidential state visit to Cambodia since François Mitterrand's visit in 1993.
Macron to Meet Cambodia's King and Senior Leaders
During his three-day state visit, President Macron is scheduled to meet Cambodia's senior leadership.
He will have an audience with King Norodom Sihamoni at the Royal Palace and hold separate meetings with Senate President Hun Sen and Prime Minister Hun Manet.
These engagements will provide an opportunity for both countries to discuss bilateral relations and areas of cooperation.
The visit also reflects the diplomatic importance Cambodia attaches to its longstanding relationship with France, particularly as Phnom Penh prepares to host the 20th Francophonie Summit.
First French Presidential State Visit Since 1993
Macron's visit marks the first state visit by a French president to Cambodia since François Mitterrand visited the Kingdom in 1993.
It also follows the historic visit of French President Charles de Gaulle in 1966.
The latest visit therefore carries significance for the diplomatic relationship between the two countries, which have maintained longstanding historical, cultural and institutional connections.
Cambodia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said the visit would further strengthen bilateral ties and provide new momentum for cooperation.
Western Mebon Temple Ceremony Highlights Cultural Cooperation
An important part of Macron's programme will take place in Siem Reap, where he is expected to join King Norodom Sihamoni in presiding over the closing ceremony of the Western Mebon Temple renovation project.
The restoration represents a major Cambodia-France cultural heritage cooperation initiative.
Located on an island in the West Baray reservoir, the Western Mebon Temple is an important historical site dating to the 11th century.
The renovation project, carried out over 14 years from 2012 to 2026, involved cooperation between Cambodian and French specialists. The ceremony will provide an opportunity to highlight the role of international cultural cooperation in preserving Cambodia's historical heritage.
The temple restoration also gives the state visit a cultural dimension beyond its diplomatic and economic agenda.
Cambodia and France Expected to Sign New Cooperation Agreements
Several agreements and cooperation documents are expected to be signed during Macron's visit.
According to the Cambodian Foreign Ministry, the expected areas of cooperation include:
Economy: Strengthening bilateral economic relations.
Investment: Encouraging greater business and investment cooperation.
Culture: Deepening cultural exchange and heritage cooperation.
Defence: Expanding cooperation in defence-related matters.
The ministry said the agreements would open a new chapter in Cambodia-France relations and promote mutually beneficial cooperation.
The announcement does not specify the number of agreements, their financial value or the individual projects they will cover.
20th Francophonie Summit Adds International Significance to the Visit
Macron's state visit coincides with Cambodia's hosting of the 20th Francophonie Summit in Phnom Penh.
The summit brings together representatives of French-speaking countries and provides a platform for diplomatic engagement, international cooperation and cultural exchange.
The French president's participation adds significance to Cambodia's role as host and creates opportunities for high-level discussions between Cambodian and French leaders.
The Francophone Village, scheduled for November 13–17 at Wat Botum Vatey Park, will also showcase Cambodian culture, cuisine and tourism attractions to local and international visitors.
Together, the summit and Macron's state visit are expected to increase international attention on Cambodia and provide opportunities to strengthen its relationships with French-speaking countries.
Angkor Times Analysis
Macron's state visit represents an important diplomatic occasion for Cambodia-France relations, particularly because it is the first French presidential state visit to Cambodia since 1993.
The timing is significant. Cambodia is hosting the 20th Francophonie Summit, bringing together international representatives at the same time as the French president's visit. This creates opportunities to connect high-level diplomacy with practical bilateral cooperation.
The expected agreements covering the economy, investment, culture and defence indicate several areas in which both governments intend to strengthen their relationship. However, the actual economic value of the visit will depend on the details of the agreements, their implementation timelines and the participation of businesses and institutions.
For Cambodian companies and investors, closer economic engagement with France could create opportunities for trade, investment partnerships, technology cooperation and business exchanges. The visit may also help strengthen Cambodia's visibility among French and wider Francophone business communities.
The Western Mebon Temple ceremony is another important dimension. It highlights how Cambodia-France relations extend beyond government diplomacy into cultural heritage preservation and technical cooperation.
Ultimately, the significance of the visit will be measured not only by diplomatic meetings and signed documents but also by the practical outcomes that follow, including implemented projects, stronger business links and sustained cooperation between the two countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When will French President Emmanuel Macron visit Cambodia?
President Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to make a state visit from November 14 to 16, 2026.
2. Who will accompany Macron during the visit?
He will be accompanied by First Lady Brigitte Macron.
3. Why is the visit considered historic?
It will be the first state visit by a French president to Cambodia since François Mitterrand visited in 1993.
4. Who invited Macron to Cambodia?
King Norodom Sihamoni extended the invitation.
5. Which Cambodian leaders will Macron meet?
He is scheduled to have an audience with King Norodom Sihamoni and meet Senate President Hun Sen and Prime Minister Hun Manet.
6. Will Macron visit Siem Reap?
Yes. He is expected to join King Norodom Sihamoni at the closing ceremony of the Western Mebon Temple renovation project.
7. What agreements are expected during the visit?
Several cooperation documents are expected to cover the economy, investment, culture and defence.
8. Is Macron also attending the Francophonie Summit?
Yes. His visit coincides with the 20th Francophonie Summit, which Cambodia is hosting in Phnom Penh.