Cambodia and China Become Strategic Partners

Phnom Penh, November 5, 2010 AKP --

Cambodia and China have expressed their congratulations on the rapid development over the bilateral relations and all-round cooperation in recent years, Cambodian Information Minister H.E. Khieu Kanharith told the media upon the meeting between Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen and visiting Chinese top legislator H.E. Mr. Wu Bangguo at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh on Thursday.

H.E. Khieu Kanharith who is also spokesman for the Royal Government of Cambodia further told the press that H.E. Wu Bangguo, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China, has underlined China’s commitment to developing ties with Cambodia, labeling Cambodia as a reliable neighbor, friend and brother.

H.E. Wu Bangguo proposed the two countries to further deepen on agriculture cooperation, encouraging Chinese business to expand agricultural products trade with Cambodia and supporting Cambodia to upgrade its inspection and quarantine capability on agricultural products.

The top Chinese legislator called for stronger infrastructure construction cooperation, urging Chinese businesses to play a bigger part in Cambodian transportation, electricity, telecommunications construction and expressed his hope on stronger investment and industrial cooperation and appealing for faster construction of a special economic zone at Preah Sihanouk Port, which Chinese businesses got involved in the construction.

H.E. Wu Bangguo also thanked Cambodian government, particularly Premier Techo Hun Sen’s stance over the South China Sea crisis, in which Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen has opposed to any attempt for the internationalization of the issue.

In reply, Samdech Techo Hun Sen agreed with H.E. Wu Bangguo, saying that the two countries should work more closely in agriculture, infrastructure, economic zone construction and resources development.

The Cambodian premier also reaffirmed Cambodia’s adherence to the one-China policy, saying that Cambodia banned any forces from separating China.

Following their meeting, the two leaders have also witnessed a singing ceremony for 16 deals between the two countries.

Earlier Thursday, the Chinese top legislator was also granted a royal audience by His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni, and met with Senate President Samdech Akka Moha Thamma Pothisal Chea Sim and National Assembly President Samdech Akka Moha Ponhea Chakrei Heng Samrin.

H.E. Wu Bangguo who is accompanied by his spouse and other entourages arrived in Phnom Penh on Wednesday afternoon for a four-day official visit to Cambodia at the invitation of Cambodian National Assembly President Samdech Heng Samrin. --AKP

(By KEO Chandara)