Memorial for the Dead of WWI, a Symbol of Cambodia-France Solidarity

The Memorial for the Dead of World War I (1914-1918) is a symbol of friendship and solidarity between Cambodia and France.

The remarks were made by Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen and visiting H.E. Olivier Becht, Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade, Economic Attractiveness and French Nationals Abroad, Attached to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the French Republic, during their courtesy meeting at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh this morning, according to H.E. Eang Sophalleth, Personal Assistant to the Cambodian Premier.

H.E. Olivier Becht thus thanked the Royal Government of Cambodia for the reconstruction of the Memorial.

He spoke highly of the friendship between the two countries, which started from the sector of culture and was extended to other areas such as education, investment, environment, infrastructure, high-speed railway, economy and trade, agriculture, and so on.

For his part, Samdech Techo Hun Sen expressed his satisfaction with the relations and cooperation between Cambodia and France, especially after his meeting with French President H.E. Emmanuel Macron in Paris in December 2022.

The Prime Minister thanked the French government and people for their assistance to the development of Cambodia so far.

Regarding the Memorial symbolising the friendship between both nations, he recalled, it was built in 1925, but was later on destroyed during the Khmer Rouge regime (1975-1979).

This morning, Cambodia and France organised a groundbreaking ceremony for the reconstruction of the Memorial for the Dead, known in Khmer as “Roup Pi” under the presidency of H.E. Chea Sophara, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction and H.E. Olivier Becht.

“Roup Pi” features two soldiers – a Cambodian and a French. It was destroyed with the idea that it symbolises slavery. Once reconstructed, it will be replaced in front of the Embassy of France in Phnom Penh.

Source: Agency Kampuchea Press