Beijing (FN), Oct. 17 – Chinese premier Li Qiang has agreed to a proposal by Cambodian prime minister Hun Manet to designate 2024 as the year of people-to-people exchanges aimed at promoting tourism and connectivity between countries.

The agreement was made during a meeting between Chinese premier Li Qiang and Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet on Tuesday (Oct. 17) in Beijing.

In the meeting, Li Qiang welcomed the presence of Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet and the delegation of Cambodian Government in China again in 2023, marking the 65th anniversary of the official diplomatic relations between Cambodia and China.

The Chinese premier also highlighted the achievements of good cooperation between the two countries on various projects, especially the recent official opening of a new international airport in Siem Reap, as well as the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) regarding a number of projects within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative.

In response, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet thanked the Party and Chinese Government for the warm welcome to Cambodian delegations and expressed his pleasure to meet premier Li Qiang for the fourth time in these few months, as well as thanked for arranging a health visit for king Norodom Sihamoni and queen mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk.

On that occasion, Samdech Thipadei also congratulated the success of the 19th Asian Games in China and expressed his condolences over the loss of four Chinese people and two missing in Israel.

Regarding the progress of bilateral cooperation between Cambodia and China, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet expressed his satisfaction with the achievement of the signing of eight MOUs, which will help further strengthen cooperation between both countries.

Both leaders also discussed the direction of cooperation in other areas, including investment, agriculture, trade, education, sports, defense, health and infrastructure within the framework of Belt and Road Initiative.
=FRESH NEWS