AKP Phnom Penh, April 19, 2026 --

More than 1,000 members of the Cambodian community and guests gathered at Wat Monisikkharam in Couilly Pont-Aux-Dames, France, on April 19 to celebrate the Khmer New Year in a festive and warm atmosphere.

The celebration was attended by H.E. Luy David, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Cambodia to France, his spouse, embassy diplomats, the Mayor of Couilly, and Cambodian residents from various regions across France.

At the opening of the event, Ambassador Luy David conveyed greetings and best wishes from Cambodian leaders to monks and Cambodian nationals living in France on the occasion of the traditional New Year.

He also expressed sincere appreciation to the Mayor of Couilly for joining the celebration, describing her participation as a reflection of openness and support for religious and cultural activities within the local community.

The ambassador briefed attendees on the special relationship between Cambodia and France, noting that Cambodia will host the 20th Francophonie Summit later this year, with heads of state and government, and representatives from around 90 French-speaking countries and institutions expected to attend.

He added that bilateral ties would be further highlighted by the planned state visit of French President H.E. Emmanuel Macron to Cambodia during the summit, marking only the second visit by a French president to Cambodia in the past 60 years, following the visit of General Charles de Gaulle in 1966.

Ambassador Luy David also noted the growing momentum in Cambodia-France relations through political consultations and high-level exchanges, while acknowledging France’s support for a peaceful resolution of the Cambodia-Thailand border issue based on international law.

The Khmer New Year celebration was held in a joyful spirit of unity, with members of the Cambodian community coming together as one family.

By C. Nika