Cambodia/Phnom Penh: Opening of the first training workshop for DFAIT Liaison Officers

On October 20, 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) organized the opening ceremony of the first training workshop for Liaison Officers, focusing on diplomatic protocol and customer services, as part of preparations for the 20ᵉ Francophonie Summit that the Kingdom of Cambodia will host in 2026.

The opening ceremony was held at DFAIT headquarters, under the chairmanship of His Excellency Mr. SUN Sovanna, Secretary of State and Representative of the Secretariat of the National Organizing Committee of the Francophonie Summit, and His Excellency Mr. EAT Seila, Secretary of State at the Ministry of the Environment and Vice-President of the National Organizing Committee of the Francophonie Summit.Organisation du 20ᵉ Sommet de la Francophonie de 2026, and His Excellency Mr EAT Seila, Secretary of State at the Ministry of the Environment and Vice-Chairman of the 2ᵉ "Protocol and Hospitality" sub-committee of the Summit's National Organizing Committee. Mr. IM Kravong, Representative of the Agence universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF) in Cambodia, was also at the ceremony.

In her opening address, H.E. Mr. SUN Sovanna stressed the importance of training liaison officers in preparation for the 20ᵉ Francophonie Summit, recalling that they play a crucial role in welcoming and accompanying foreign delegations, and thus contribute directly to Cambodia's influence on the international stage.

The workshop was led by H.E. Mr. EAT Seila, who shared his expertise and experience in diplomatic protocol, welcoming official delegations and managing customer services. He also stressed the need to strengthen the practical skills and professional attitudes of liaison officers, to ensure smooth coordination and exemplary service at the 2026 Summit.

The workshop marks the launch of the project "Training DFAIT Liaison Officers in preparation for the 20ᵉ Francophonie Summit in 2026", a program supported by the Agence universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF), with co-funding from the French Embassy in Cambodia through the Fonds Equipe France (FEF).

Around 250 liaison officers took part in this first session, testifying to the strong commitment of MAECI and its partners to prepare with rigor and professionalism for one of the most important diplomatic events in Cambodia's recent history.

Source: www.auf.org/