Phnom Penh (FN), Aug. 13 – Cambodian delegate minister and director general of the Council for the Development of Cambodia Sok Chenda Sophea said that Cambodia-China ironclad friendship have pushed for strong economic ties, making China the largest trading partner, source of investment and tourism for Cambodia.

His statement was made during a meeting with visiting Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi and the delegation, held on 12 August 2023 at Rosewood Hotel, Phnom Penh.

During the meeting, Sophea warmly welcomed Wang Yi's visit to Cambodia with the aim of strengthening and expanding relations and cooperation to maximize mutual benefits for the people of both countries.

Sophea briefed the good relations between the two countries that have existed for a long time in the past, and further elevated by Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen and Chinese top leaders to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2010.

In addition, the two governments have announced the opening of the "Year of Cambodia-China Friendship" in 2023 to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and the year of friendship towards a new era of building a common destiny. China also agreed to establish a framework for "diamond cooperation" during Samdech Hun Sen's official visit to the People's Republic of China in February 2023.

For his part, Wang Yi congratulated Cambodia on its rapid development and praised the achievements of the Royal Government of Cambodia.

Minister Wang Yi also highlighted the good cooperation between Cambodia and China through the use of bilateral dialogue coordination mechanisms and exchanges of study visits, which responded positively to the framework of the implementation of the "Belt and Road Initiative".
=FRESH NEWS