A public exhibition bringing together 73 pavilions, 130 exhibition booths and 30 food stalls has opened in Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh, ahead of the 20th summit of the International Organisation of La Francophonie.
The Village de la Francophonie was inaugurated on Friday, November 13, by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and OIF Secretary-General Louise Mushikiwabo at Wat Botum Park.
The event brings together Francophone countries and partners to showcase their cultures, products, traditions and expertise through exhibitions, food, music and other cultural activities.
Organisers expect approximately 100,000 visitors from Cambodia and abroad during the event, which is free and open to the public until November 17.
The 73 pavilions represent Francophone countries and partners, while the 130 exhibition booths provide space for institutions, businesses and artisans to display products, initiatives and expertise.
Visitors can also explore a gastronomy section featuring 30 food booths. Conferences, roundtable discussions and cultural performances are part of the programme.
Speaking at the opening, Mushikiwabo said the village reflected the diversity of the Francophone community and offered people an opportunity to interact beyond formal diplomatic gatherings.
She said the event would help introduce Francophonie to Cambodians while allowing visitors from French-speaking countries to learn more about Cambodia.
Hun Manet said the village was an opportunity to celebrate Cambodia’s relationship with the Francophone community and bring people from different backgrounds together.
“For our country, this is a moment of pride, a moment of unity, and a moment of celebration,” he said.
The opening ceremony featured performances by Cambodian artists and Rwanda’s National Ballet.
The village is among the activities organised ahead of the 20th Francophonie Summit, which is scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Phnom Penh.
The summit will bring together representatives of the organisation’s 90 member states and governments to discuss cooperation on political, economic, cultural and educational issues.
Its theme is “Reinvest in Peace for Shared Prosperity and Lasting Stability”.
A ministerial conference is scheduled for November 14, while the wider programme also includes FrancoTech, an event focused on technology and innovation.
