Senate President Hun Sen on Sunday welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron at the Senate’s Solidarity Palace, as Cambodia and France seek to strengthen their historic partnership and expand cooperation across key sectors.

Macron is on a state visit to Cambodia from November 14 to 16, accompanied by First Lady Brigitte Macron, following an invitation from King Norodom Sihamoni. His visit coincides with Cambodia hosting the 20th Francophonie Summit.

The visit marks the first French presidential state visit to Cambodia since President Charles de Gaulle visited in 1966, followed by President François Mitterrand in 1993, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

The Foreign Ministry said several agreements and cooperation documents covering the economy, investment, culture and defence would be signed during the visit.

The agreements are expected to provide fresh momentum to the traditional friendship between the two countries, open a new chapter in bilateral relations and promote mutually beneficial cooperation.