During five-day official visit to France, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen left Cambodia for Fran on Thursday by be accompanied by Foreign Minister Hor Namhong. And this is the first visit to France under his third mandate, since winning national election in July 2008.

The official trip to France is to strengthen bilateral cooperation. The premier will also meet his French counterparts, Francois Fillon, and Foreign Minister of Bernard Kouchner, reported the VOA.

Ahead of his departure, the PM remarked in public that he would meet with Sarkozy on July 13, and participate in France’s National Day, or Bastille Day on July 14.

Laurant Le Marchand, first secretary of French Embassy, quoted by the VOA as saying that France assists especially in judicial reform, the rule of law, gendarmerie training and continued support for the Khmer Rouge tribunal.

France is one of the most important donors to Cambodia, contributing around $25 million annually in aid.

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