Three Cambodians Join Bastille Day Parade in Paris, Marching with Honour

PHNOM PENH, July 15, 2026 – Three Cambodians marched with honour in France's annual Bastille Day military parade on the Champs-Élysées in Paris on July 14.

Lieutenant Serei Sovanden of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, along with engineering students Uth Rathana and Chhoy Zurich from École Polytechnique, stood shoulder to shoulder with French and international troops on one of the world's most iconic avenues.

For Lt. Serei Sovanden, it was a moment of military pride. For Rathana and Zurich, the opportunity came through their school's military background, allowing them to participate in the historic parade.

"It is an honour to represent Cambodia as a military officer cadet in the National Day parade in the French Republic," Lt. Serei Sovanden said.

The parade marked President Emmanuel Macron's 10th and final Bastille Day celebration, with military personnel from 34 countries taking part. For the three Cambodians, the experience reflected the enduring friendship between Cambodia and France—a bond strengthened by the 1991 Paris Peace Accords.

Today, both nations are working toward elevating their ties to a Strategic Partnership.

Reported by The Khmer Today