Cambodia’s recent reform efforts were singled out for praise Tuesday as a visiting French delegation agreed to continue supporting scientific, cultural and technical programs.
Charles Josselin, France’s international cooperation minister, spoke briefly to reporters Tuesday night after meeting with Prime Minister Hun Sen. Josselin is to leave today for Vietnam.
Om Yentieng, Hun Sen’s adviser on internal affairs, said Josselin stressed the importance of the rule of law and discussed the upcoming Khmer Rouge trial when he met with the prime minister.
The French minister said that while it is important to preserve peace and stability in Cambodia, the tribunal must also meet international standards of justice.
The French delegation visited Cambodia to work out details of projects the French government will support over the next two years. The talks, which were not open to the public, covered agriculture, health, rural development, tourism and education.
No specific dollar amounts were discussed, said one official who attended the talks. This marks the third such meeting between the countries; the next is scheduled for Paris in 2002.
