In a meeting on 8 April 2024, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation SOK Chenda Sophea discussed strengthening the ASEAN-China partnership with Her Excellency Hou Yanqi, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to ASEAN. The two sides commended the good momentum of ASEAN-China relations and welcomed 2024 as the ASEAN-China Year of People-to-People Exchanges.
The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted the importance of the “ASEAN Way” — consultation and consensus-based decision-making enshrined in the ASEAN Charter, emphasizing the uniqueness of the association and preserving its centrality and unity in relations with partners. He expressed sincere thanks to China for extensive support to ASEAN community-building efforts.
Her Excellency Hou Yanqi acknowledged Cambodia’s active role in ASEAN community-building and emphasized the significance of ASEAN in maintaining peace, security, stability, and enhancing growth in the region. She also underscored China’s strong commitment to quality cooperation with Cambodia under the Belt and Road Initiative.
The two sides exchanged views on regional and international issues of common interest and concern, including Mekong-Lancang Cooperation. The Deputy Prime Minister highly appreciated China’s significant contribution to Cambodia’s socio-economic development through initiatives such as the Global Development Initiative and Belt and Road Initiative.
He also stressed the importance of the “diamond cooperation” framework between Cambodia and China in areas like agriculture, energy, and people-to-people exchanges. Her Excellency Hou Yanqi concurred, noting that China’s continued support for Cambodia’s development is vital to its socio-economic progress.
The meeting marked a significant step forward in strengthening bilateral relations and reinforcing ASEAN-China cooperation. As the ASEAN-China Year of People-to-People Exchanges kicks off, Cambodia and China are poised to deepen their connections and promote mutual understanding.
Key Takeaways from the Meeting
• Strengthening ASEAN-China partnership: The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation in various areas, including people-to-people exchanges, economic development, and regional security.
• Emphasis on consultation and consensus-based decision-making: The Deputy Prime Minister stressed the importance of the “ASEAN Way” in maintaining unity and centrality in ASEAN-China relations.
• Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) cooperation: China’s continued support for Cambodia’s development through BRI initiatives is seen as crucial to the country’s socio-economic progress.
• Mekong-Lancang Cooperation: The two sides exchanged views on regional issues of common interest, including Mekong-Lancang Cooperation.
In conclusion, the meeting between Deputy Prime Minister SOK Chenda Sophea and Her Excellency Hou Yanqi underscored Cambodia’s commitment to strengthening ASEAN-China relations and reinforcing cooperation in various areas. As the ASEAN-China Year of People-to-People Exchanges kicks off, both countries are poised to deepen their connections and promote mutual understanding.