Phnom penh: France has declared its willingness to aid in the resolution of the ongoing Cambodia-Thailand border dispute by supplying pertinent historical documents to Cambodia and other involved parties. This announcement underscores France’s commitment to assisting in diplomatic efforts to resolve territorial disagreements.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the outgoing French Ambassador to Cambodia, H.E. Jacques Pellet, conveyed this commitment during his farewell visit to Senate President Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen at the Senate Palace in Phnom Penh. Ambassador Pellet highlighted France’s steadfast support for the principles of international law and the International Court of Justice (ICJ), noting previous collaborative positions shared by Cambodia and France, including in matters such as the Ukraine case.

In June, during a meeting with Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet in Nice, French President H.E. Emmanuel Macron reiterated this readiness to provide relevant documentation to both Cambodia and Thailand, should it be necessary. This gesture reflects France’s ongoing role in addressing historical and diplomatic issues arising from its colonial past.

Cambodia, once a French protectorate from 1863 to 1953, saw the creation of numerous foundational maps and documents during this period. These documents have played a significant role in defining the country’s modern territorial boundaries, making them crucial in resolving contemporary border disputes.