King Sihamoni: We are fully Khmer, Fully Asian and Fully Francophone

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King Norodom Sihamoni says the Francophonie unites people, regardless of cultures and languages, without asking any of them to renounce ...

PHNOM PENH – King Norodom Sihamoni says the Francophonie unites people, regardless of cultures and languages, without asking any of them to renounce who they are. He reflected on Cambodia’s turbulent history, which its people understand the significance of identity and heritage preservation.

“The vision of La Francophonie championed by my father (late King Sihanouk) brings peoples together through a common language,” the King said. “Cambodia bears witness to this ideal. We are fully Khmer, fully Asian and fully francophone.”

The King addressed the vision of the community as the country hosts the Francophonie Summit, bringing together 81 French-speaking nations to talk about peacebuilding and crisis issues amid the world's unsettling chaos.

He said his father placed his faith in dialogue, which was established in 1970 in Niamey by four founders — Leopold Sedar Senghor of Senegal, Habib Bourguiba of Tunisia, Hamani Diori of Niger, and King Sihanouk.

“My father was convinced that this shared language could become a common heritage, freely chosen,” the King said. “A language never travels alone. Ideas, aspirations and the values of those who speak it travel with it.”

He said Cambodia aspires to pass on a lasting peace to future generations because the country has endured war, tragedy and a long process of reconstruction, having known loss and what it takes to preserve the culture.

During the darkest era, libraries were destroyed, sanctuaries were looted, and artists and masters of their crafts disappeared, the King said, adding that the dancers, musicians and artisans who survived passed down the memory.

Gradually, schools came back, culture rose again, and the people regained the courage to rise through preserving everything that seems lost, he said.

However, the country is facing another challenge as the world is facing grave trials, with new wars breaking out and old conflicts flaring up.

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