Xi vows stronger ties, deeper cooperation with Cambodia as he reached Phnom Penh on Thursday for a state visit.
Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Phnom Penh on Thursday for a state visit to Cambodia, expressing his willingness to strengthen the friendship and cooperation between the two nations. He made these remarks in a written statement after his arrival in the Cambodian capital.
Xi was warmly greeted at the airport by Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni, Cambodian People’s Party President and Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen, as well as other high-ranking officials during a grand welcome ceremony. Hundreds of Cambodians lined the streets, waving the national flags of both countries and holding banners that read “Long live Cambodia-China friendship, solidarity, and cooperation!”
In his statement, Xi expressed his happiness at visiting Cambodia once again and shared his anticipation for meetings and discussions with King Sihamoni, Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk, Samdech Techo Hun Sen, and Prime Minister Hun Manet. He also conveyed his warm New Year greetings to the Cambodian people, as his visit coincided with the Khmer New Year.
Xi praised Cambodia as a country with a rich and ancient civilization, noting the significant contributions of the Khmer civilization to global human progress. He acknowledged Cambodia’s recent economic success under the Pentagonal Strategy, which has led to rapid growth and improvements in the quality of life for its people. Xi expressed confidence that Cambodia would continue to achieve greater success in national development, supported by the leadership of King Sihamoni and Prime Minister Hun Manet.
Xi highlighted the strong and enduring friendship between China and Cambodia, forged by past leaders of both countries. He emphasized that the relationship had withstood the challenges posed by global changes and remained firm over time. Both nations have pioneered the development of a bilateral community with a shared future and engaged in Belt and Road cooperation, he said.
Xi further underscored the mutual support between the two countries in maintaining stability, fostering development, and advocating for international fairness. He noted that China and Cambodia have set an example for new types of international relations and have contributed to building a community with a shared future for humanity.
China, Xi affirmed, considers Cambodia a priority in its neighborhood diplomacy and strongly supports Cambodia’s strategic independence and its right to choose a development path suited to its unique national circumstances. He expressed hopes for deepening cooperation under the “Diamond Hexagon” framework, enhancing political trust, promoting mutually beneficial initiatives, ensuring greater security, and increasing people-to-people exchanges.
The visit was met with great enthusiasm from over 20,000 local residents, along with representatives of the overseas Chinese community, Chinese-funded businesses, and Chinese students, who gathered to show their warm welcome to Xi.
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