20th Francophonie Summit opens in Cambodia

The 20th Francophonie Summit opened Sunday in Cambodia's capital Phnom Penh, with French President Emmanuel Macron among the leaders attending the two-day gathering.

Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni presided over the summit, while Prime Minister Hun Manet delivered the opening address.

The event brought together leaders and representatives from around 20 countries to discuss political and cooperation issues.

The Francophonie grouping promotes cooperation among French-speaking countries in education, cultural exchange and economic partnerships.

Participants are also scheduled to visit Siem Reap province for a cultural tour.

Macron, accompanied by his wife, Brigitte Macron, is making the first visit by a French president to Cambodia since Francois Mitterrand traveled to the country in 1993.

King Sihamoni and Macron will also inaugurate the restored West Mebon temple at Angkor, following 14 years of Franco-Cambodian restoration work.