With Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet’s three-day official visit to China, the two countries’ bilateral relations have entered a new era. Several cooperation documents were signed as part of the visit’s effort to strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership of Cooperation between the two countries.
During his visit, Prime Minister Hun Manet met with top Chinese leaders, including President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China. This visit comes at the invitation of Premier Li Qiang and signifies the importance that Cambodia places on its relationship with China.
Accompanying Prime Minister Hun Manet were several government officials, including Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Sok Chenda Sophea, Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries Dith Tina, Minister of Tourism Sok Soken, Minister of Mines and Energy Keo Rattanak, and Minister of Commerce Cham Nimul, among others.
The visit began with Prime Minister Hun Manet and his wife, Pich Chanmony, laying flowers at the Monument to the People’s Heroes at Tiananmen Square in Beijing. They also had a royal audience with King Norodom Sihamoni and Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk, who were in Beijing for routine medical checkups. In addition, Prime Minister Hun Manet had meetings with representatives from Sinomach Heavy Equipment Group Co., Ltd, China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), and Huawei Technology Co., Ltd.
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Mao Ning, highlighted the significance of this visit as the first official visit by Prime Minister Hun Manet after taking office. It demonstrates the importance that Cambodia’s new government attaches to its relations with China. China is eager to strengthen cooperation initiatives, such as the ‘Industrial Development Corridor’ and the ‘Fish and Rice Corridor,’ which are aimed at promoting economic development and cooperation between the two nations.
The discussions between Prime Minister Hun Manet and Chinese leaders will encompass various topics, including the building of a Cambodia-China Community with a Shared Future, further advancement in Diamond Cooperation, strategic directions for Cambodia-China relations, and regional and international matters of common interest. They will also preside over a signing ceremony for several cooperation documents to further consolidate the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership of Cooperation between the two nations.
This year marks the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Cambodia, as well as the “China-Cambodia Friendship Year.” The visit of Prime Minister Hun Manet is set to strengthen the Diamond Cooperation Framework and promote collaboration across regional and international platforms, benefiting both nations and peoples.
The government spokesman, Pen Bona, affirmed that the visit of the Cambodian Prime Minister to China solidifies the close and amicable relations between the two countries and peoples. This relationship is built upon the spirit of friendship, equality, mutual respect, and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs.
In addition to the official meetings, Prime Minister Hun Manet will also attend the 20th China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) in Nanning, Guangxi. This event, co-sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce of China and ASEAN countries, serves as a platform for economic and trade outcomes and further strengthens the China-ASEAN community with a shared future.
The visit of Prime Minister Hun Manet to China signifies the deepening ties and commitment between Cambodia and China. It sets the stage for enhanced cooperation initiatives and paves the way for a new era of relationships characterised by high-quality, high-level, and high-standard cooperation.
Source: Khmer Times
