Cambodia, China stress the need to deepen existing cooperation

The Kingdom of Cambodia and the People’s Republic of China have reaffirmed the need to strengthen the existing cooperation in the fields of defence and security, education, culture, etc. and to promote new cooperation.

The reaffirmation was made by Mr Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, and visiting Mr Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the Chinese Party Communist (CPC) Central Committee, Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, at their meeting here at the Peace Palace this afternoon.

Wang Yi told PM Hun Manet of his official visit in Cambodia, emphasising that it will continue to support and promote the cooperation in building a Cambodia-China Community of Common Destiny in the new era.

The Chinese top diplomat appreciated the friendship between the two countries, underlining that Cambodia and China are close and sincere friends, and expressed his satisfaction with the fact that the two governments have well implemented the comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation. He also highly valued Cambodia’s growing role in the international arena.

Wang Yi affirmed that the Chinese side will push for the completion of the master plan as soon as possible so that the cooperation on Fish and Rice Corridor and Industrial and Technological Corridor can be a reality in the near future.

For his part, PM Hun Manet lauded Cambodia-China cooperation as well as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which have contributed to boosting Cambodia’s socio-economic development.

The Premier also spoke highly of the progress of the diamond cooperation framework agreed by the two countries in 2023. By designating 2024 as the Year of People-to-People Exchange, he is confident that the flow of investment and tourists from China to Cambodia will see further increase.

PM Hun Manet requested the Chinese side to consider the possibility of promoting cooperation in the establishment of Cambodia-China Free Trade Area and more special economic zones.