In a significant development, Cambodia and China reaffirmed their commitment to advancing their bilateral relationship, with a focus on cooperation in key areas such as trade, investment, tourism, agriculture, energy, and infrastructure projects. The announcement was made during a courtesy call by Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wenbin to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Prak Sokhonn on November 26, 2024.
The courtesy call came ahead of H.E. Prak Sokhonn’s upcoming visit to China, where he is expected to discuss various aspects of their bilateral relationship, including the implementation of the Cambodia-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Framework. Ambassador Wang Wenbin conveyed his heartfelt congratulations to Deputy Prime Minister Prak Sokhonn on his reappointment as Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, as well as his readiness to resume close working relations with him.
Deputy Prime Minister Prak Sokhonn thanked the Chinese side for their exceptional provision of health services and warm hospitality to His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen Mother of Cambodia, a gesture that symbolizes the deep trust and strong ties between the two countries. He also discussed with Ambassador Wang Wenbin the value of the visit in reiterating the importance of advancing key projects, such as the Fish and Rice Corridor, Industrial Development Corridor, modern agricultural development project, and mixed energy project.
The two officials reaffirmed their commitment to successfully implementing the consensus and commitments made by the leaders of the two countries to advance key projects and promote the building of a high-quality, high-level, and high-standard Cambodia-China Community with a Shared Future in the new era. They also expressed enthusiasm for designating 2025 as the “Cambodia-China Tourism Year” and discussed the importance of increasing direct flights and improving tourism infrastructure to restore pre-pandemic visitor numbers.
In addition to bilateral cooperation, Deputy Prime Minister Prak Sokhonn and Ambassador Wang Wenbin exchanged views on regional and international issues of common interests. They reaffirmed their shared commitment to promoting peace and stability in the region and beyond, underlining the importance of dialogue and collaboration to address global and regional challenges.
The visit is seen as a significant step forward for Cambodia-China relations, which have been strengthened over the years through various initiatives and projects. The two countries have consistently demonstrated their commitment to enhancing cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, tourism, agriculture, energy, and infrastructure development.
Conclusion:
The reaffirmed commitment by Cambodia and China to enhance their bilateral relationship is a significant development in the region’s diplomatic landscape. As the two countries look to advance key projects and promote economic cooperation, they are also expected to play an increasingly important role in promoting peace and stability in the region. With designations such as 2025 being the “Cambodia-China Tourism Year”, it is clear that both countries recognize the importance of tourism as a vital sector for their economies.
Key Projects and Initiatives:
- The Fish and Rice Corridor
- The Industrial Development Corridor
- Modern Agricultural Development Project
- Mixed Energy Project
- China’s commitment to enhancing bilateral trade and investment
- Funan Techo Canal Project
- “Cambodia-China Tourism Year” initiative (2025)
Bilateral Relations:
Cambodia and China have consistently demonstrated their commitment to enhancing cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, tourism, agriculture, energy, and infrastructure development. The two countries have a long history of diplomatic relations, with China being one of Cambodia’s largest trading partners.
Address:
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Khan Chamkarmon,
Phnom Penh, Kingdom of Cambodia
Email: mfaic@camboadia.gov
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