Cambodia calls for resumption of border demarcation with Thailand at Francophonie Summit

Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni presided over the two-day summit.

Manet said the border with Thailand had been delimited more than a century ago and called for it to be "respected in accordance with international law," the Phnom Penh daily reported.

Cambodia and Thailand experienced two rounds of deadly border clashes last year before the two Southeast Asian countries agreed to a ceasefire that took effect on Dec. 27.

Manet said the fighting had claimed lives and forced families to flee their homes.

"About 20,000 Cambodians are still unable to return home. Their return, in safety and dignity, remains our priority," he said.

The Cambodian premier thanked the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and other international partners for supporting the ceasefire, dialogue and respect for international law.

"No border shall be changed by force or faits accomplis. Respect for international law safeguards the security of all States, large and small," he said.

Manet also proposed establishing a mechanism within the Francophonie community to help prevent conflicts and promote peaceful solutions.

"I propose a Francophone prevention and mediation network. At the request of states, it could support dialogue before violence flares up," he added.

The two-day Francophonie Summit 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 are also expected to inaugurate the restored West Mebon temple at Angkor following 14 years of joint Franco-Cambodian restoration work.

‘Peace is our best investment’

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in a video address to the summit, called for greater investment in peace, emphasizing diplomacy, respect for international law and reforms to the international financial system.

Guterres warned that many countries were being forced to choose between repaying debt and meeting the needs of their populations.

He urged greater international support for diplomacy and a fairer global financial system.

"Peace is our best investment," Guterres said.

He also called for women and young people to play a greater role in decision-making and for Africa to secure permanent representation on the UN Security Council.