New French-Khmer book showcases Cambodian culture to Francophonie delegates
A new bilingual book showcasing Cambodia’s culture, history, traditions and people will be distributed to international journalists attending the 20th Francophonie Summit in Phnom Penh this month, offering readers a broader understanding of the Kingdom beyond its famous landmarks.
Minister of Information Neth Pheaktra said the 200-page publication, titled Le Sourire du peuple cambodgien (The Smile of the Cambodian People), would be included in press kits for journalists covering the summit on November 15 and 16.
Speaking at the book’s launch at the ministry on Monday, Pheaktra described it as an important contribution to preserving and promoting Cambodia’s cultural identity and values.
“This book is a meaningful contribution to preserving, promoting and sharing the identity, culture and values of the Cambodian people,” he said.
He said the publication offered an opportunity to introduce Cambodia to the Francophone community through its culture, literature, history and everyday life.
While the world often associated Cambodia with Angkor Wat, the Kingdom had much more to offer, including its welcoming people, rich traditions, arts, language, literature, cuisine and social values, he added.
The Cambodian smile, which serves as the book’s central theme, symbolises warmth, friendliness, dignity and peaceful coexistence.
“A smile may not require translation, but it can create understanding. It can cross linguistic, cultural and geographical boundaries to connect people,” he said.
Pheaktra also highlighted the importance of cultural diplomacy and soft power, saying books and authentic cultural stories could help strengthen Cambodia’s international image.
He said 962 local and international journalists, including 320 international journalists, had registered to cover the summit, while 78 delegates had confirmed their attendance. Registration remained ongoing.
“The book will be given to journalists as gifts in press kits,” he said.
The publication is a collaboration between Cambodian and foreign authors through ThmeyThmey, SIPAR and Wonders of Cambodia, with support from the Many Foundation and Action Education Cambodia.
It features 16 stories exploring Cambodian history, traditions, cuisine and cultural identity.
Co-author Ky Soklim said the book also aimed to highlight the uniqueness of Tonle Chaktomukh, the river junction in Phnom Penh where four waterways meet.
The publication explores Cambodia across four historical periods: before French colonial rule, during the colonial period, after independence and in the present day.
Pascal Médeville, a French translator and co-author who has lived in Cambodia for 17 years, said the authors had spent a year preparing the book.
The International Organisation of La Francophonie comprises 90 member states and governments, including 53 full members, five associate members and 32 observers, representing approximately 320 million people.
