The Cambodia Daily
10th-6-2025
Observers of Cambodian affairs have described Prime Minister Hun Manet’s recent visit to France as lacking tangible benefit, despite his participation in a United Nations conference on ocean conservation.
Mr. Men Nath, head of the Cambodian Watchdog Council, told The Cambodia Daily that Mr. Hun Manet’s claims of meeting foreign leaders, including the President of the European Commission, were largely aimed at impressing the Cambodian public, creating the appearance of international recognition. In reality, he said, the trip is unlikely to yield any concrete outcomes once the prime minister returns home.
According to Mr. Men Nath, the visit appears more focused on taking photographs with world leaders than on achieving policy goals.
He added that at a time when Cambodia faces steep trade tariffs from the United States, Mr. Hun Manet’s priority should have been to engage in serious talks with European officials to restore a 20 percent tariff exemption that was suspended at the end of 2020 under the EU’s Everything But Arms (EBA) trade scheme.
The analyst went on to say that Prime Minister Hun Manet has failed to take action on matters of national interest, yet has actively engaged in actions that damage Cambodia’s international reputation. These include suppressing human rights, undermining democratic principles and conducting flawed elections. All of these actions, he said, are inconsistent with the core values of the European Union.
On June 08, 2025, Mr. Hun Manet and a delegation of government officials traveled to the French city of Nice to attend the third United Nations Ocean Conference, held from June 08 to June 11. This year’s theme is “Accelerating Action and Fostering Inclusive Partnerships to Conserve and Sustainably Use the Ocean.”
In the lead-up to the visit, the France-based Cambodia National Rescue Party sent a letter to French President Emmanuel Macron. Dated June 07, the letter urged the French government to press Prime Minister Hun Manet to uphold the 1991 Paris Peace Agreements, aimed at restoring democracy and protecting human rights in Cambodia.
The CNRP said the appeal also served to remind President Macron of France’s obligations under the agreements. It called on him to encourage Cambodia to resolve its border dispute with Thailand through the International Court of Justice. The party further urged the Cambodian government to commit to international maritime law under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea [UNCLOS], in order to secure international protection of Cambodia’s territorial integrity.
