A COCKTAIL party was held last night at the French Cultural Centre to welcome the selection of 27 students from the University of Health Sciences in Phnom Penh to complete a training course as interns in one of the French public hospitals.

In 2009, France initiated a global competition (outside of the European Union) whose programme corresponds to the national examination for

French medical students. Thirty-six Cambodian students from the University of Health Sciences in Phnom Penh entered this competition and 27 were selected, after a preparation of two months. They will be able to train in France for two years.

Cooperation between France and Cambodia in the health fields began several years ago. One of its most visible aspects is the training of Cambodian doctors in French public hospitals.

Several hundred doctors have already benefited from this training, and now hold positions of responsibility in Cambodian hospitals and other institutions in the country.

This health sciences cooperation, in addition to its training component, is an important contribution to the Francophone world to relationships with Cambodia.