Synopsis: Women’s Affairs minister encourages public participation at cultural and technological exhibitions, highlighting free admission and historic international engagement.
The Francophonie village in Phnom Penh is expected to attract about 100,000 local and international visitors this month, as Women’s Affairs Minister Ing Kantha Phavi urged Cambodians to attend the event and take advantage of free admission.
Speaking in an interview in Phnom Penh on Friday, Kantha Phavi described Cambodia’s hosting of the 20th Francophonie summit as a historic occasion that might not return for decades.
“I urge everyone to participate because this is a historic event. We do not know when it will happen again. It could be another 30 or 40 years,” she said.
Kantha Phavi, who chairs the subcommittee responsible for organising summit side events, said the village would feature more than 100 exhibition booths, 37 national pavilions and daily cultural performances.
She said both the Francophonie village and FrancoTech would be open to the public without admission fees.
“Admission to the village is free. Please do not pay anyone. It is completely free,” she said, adding that visitors could also enter FrancoTech free of charge.
The five-day Francophonie village will take place from November 13 to 17 at Wat Botum Park, while FrancoTech will run from November 14 to 16 at the Koh Pich Convention Centre.
Delegations from more than 70 countries are expected to attend.
The village will showcase cultural exhibitions, traditional performances, gastronomy and tourism attractions, providing visitors with opportunities to explore different cultures.
Kantha Phavi said the events would allow Cambodians to learn more about countries beyond Southeast Asia.
“We learn from them, and they learn from us,” she said, adding that cultural exchange and people-to-people connections matter.
She said cultural and culinary diplomacy help bring countries closer together amid global uncertainty and conflict.
- Tags: Cambodia, Francophonie
