Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi meets with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Hor Namhong in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, August 12, 2023. /Chinese Foreign Ministry
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Saturday said that China will continue to help improve Cambodia's infrastructure and industries, and is willing to further expand cooperation with the Cambodian side.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks while meeting with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Hor Namhong and Deputy Prime Minister-designate Sun Chanthol and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister-designate Sok Chenda Sophea, who will assume office in late August.
Wang congratulated the successful convening of the Cambodian general election and said the landslide victory of the Cambodian People's Party (CPP) led by Prime Minister Hun Sen shows the Cambodian people's will, and the public support is the greatest confidence and solid foundation for the CPP to cope with various challenges and exclude external interference.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi talks with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister-designate Sun Chanthol in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, August 12, 2023. /Chinese Foreign Ministry
As a comprehensive strategic partner, China firmly supports Cambodia in pursuing a development path suited to its own national conditions, safeguarding its sovereignty, independence and national dignity, and playing a more important role in regional and international affairs, Wang added.
He thanked Hor Namhong for his role in deepening all-round cooperation between the two countries, and Sun Chanthol for his efforts in actively promoting the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and said China will always be a reliable partner on Cambodia's path of development and revitalization.
Wang also expressed hope that China and Cambodia will strengthen solidarity and coordination, further expand cooperation, and deepen the building of the China-Cambodia community with a shared future in the new era.
The Cambodian side welcomed Wang's visit soon after the conclusion of the general election, saying it shows that China attaches great importance to bilateral ties. They also expressed thanks to China, saying China has always viewed Cambodia as an "ironclad" friend and stood together with Cambodia at critical moments.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi shakes hands with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister-designate Sok Chenda Sophea in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, August 12, 2023. /Chinese Foreign Ministry
With the help of China, Cambodia has built nearly 4,000 kilometers of roads and 10 bridges, the Cambodian officials said, adding that China also provided timely COVID-19 vaccines to Cambodia, supported Cambodia in successfully hosting the Southeast Asian Games and vigorously carried out infrastructure projects in Cambodia.
"Cambodia-China cooperation has rapidly improved Cambodian people's livelihood, created job opportunities and brought development opportunities," said Sok Chenda Sophea.
2023 marks the 65th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic ties and is the "Cambodia-China Friendship Year." The Cambodian officials said that they look forward to taking the opportunity to push the development of the Cambodia-China community with a shared future to a new level and continue the Cambodia-China friendship.