PHNOM PENH: French President Emmanuel Macron has called on Francophone nations to strengthen peace, dialogue and international cooperation, saying their shared language can serve as a powerful instrument for reconciliation at a time of growing global crises.
Addressing the opening of the 20th Francophonie Summit in Phnom Penh Sunday (Nov 15), Macron said the gathering was an opportunity to reaffirm the organisation’s political role and turn solidarity into concrete commitments grounded in international law and the UN Charter.
“Today, we are gathered in Phnom Penh to reinvest in peace, shared prosperity and lasting stability,” he stated.
Macron suggested that the French language offered member countries a common space for dialogue and mediation, helping them bring people closer together and develop joint solutions to international challenges.
“It gives us the words and the tools to ensure that the rule of law prevails over the use of force,” he said, stressing that the Francophonie should help promote peaceful solutions rather than allow differences to deepen divisions.
He noted that the organisation, which brings together countries with different histories, traditions and geographical realities, was not immune to global crises but had a responsibility to confront them through cooperation. He called for greater unity within the Francophone community, urging members to engage in frank and constructive dialogue while building on their common ground.
“Our Francophone family has expanded over the decades and continues to grow. This openness is an opportunity. It enriches La Francophonie, strengthens it and enhances its influence,” he said.
He stressed that protecting the French language should go hand in hand with respecting and promoting other languages, particularly within international organisations, where multilingualism is closely linked to equality among states and the legitimacy of multilateralism.
The summit is also expected to adopt declarations and decisions concerning the organisation’s governance and the admission of new members, Macron noted.
Turning to Cambodia’s assumption of the summit presidency from France, Macron said the transition represented continuity in the organisation’s shared commitment to dialogue, action and peace.
He praised Cambodia for hosting the summit at a time when the world needed stronger ties between nations, describing the country’s leadership as an opportunity to advance the Francophonie’s message of openness and peaceful coexistence.
“You remind us that La Francophonie carries an idea that our times urgently need: We can be different without being divided. We can defend our identities without setting them against one another. We can share one language without giving up the richness of all other languages,” he said.
Macron noted that France was proud to hand over the presidency to Cambodia and would continue supporting projects that brought member countries together.
He described the transfer as more than an institutional change, saying it reflected the vitality of an organisation able to renew itself while preserving its common purpose.
“France is pleased and proud to hand over the presidency of the Francophonie Summit to Cambodia today,” he said, adding that the handover was made with confidence in Cambodia’s commitment and gratitude for the work achieved together.
“Finally, we are handing it over to a friend, as part of the state visit I am making to Cambodia at your invitation, Your Majesty,” Macron said, adding “Long live La Francophonie!” - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
