French Prime Minister Jean-Marc
Ayrault (C) shakes hands with Cambodia's King Norodom Sihamoni, ahead of
a royal audience at the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, on February 3,
2013. Ayrault met with King Sihamoni as he traveled to Cambodia to
attend former king Norodom Sihanouk's cremation ceremony on February 4
Phnom Penh (AFP) - French Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault on Sunday paid
tribute to Cambodia's late former king Norodom Sihanouk, a passionate
francophile who won independence from the one-time colonial power.
Sihanouk, who died of a heart attack in October in Beijing aged 89,
was known for his taste for champagne and foie gras as well as for his
hand-written notes in French that in his later years were posted on his
website.
"For a small country like Cambodia, Sihanouk's name is known in
France. He's someone who spoke our language wonderfully," Ayrault told
reporters after arriving in Phnom Penh where he will attend Sihanouk's
cremation on Monday.
He hailed the "very strong and affectionate relations" between France and Sihanouk.
The flamboyant royal was placed on the throne at the age of 18 in 1941 by French colonial authorities.
Twelve years later he gained Cambodia's independence and shortly
afterwards quit the throne in favour of his father to pursue a career in
politics.
Twice exiled and twice returned to the throne, Sihanouk abruptly
abdicated in 2004 as old age and poor health took their toll on the
colourful monarch.
Ayrault will be the highest-ranking European representative to attend
Monday's cremation at a specially built funeral pyre in a park near the
royal palace.
He will also hold meetings with Prime Minister Hun Sen as well as his
Vietnamese counterpart Nguyen Tan Dung, who will also attend the
ceremony, before travelling to Thailand on Monday for an official visit.
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