Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (left) met with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister-designate Sok Chenda Sophea, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on Aug 12, 2023. (PHOTO / FOREIGN MINISTRY, CHINA)

PHNOM PENH - Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister-designate Sok Chenda Sophea on Saturday, during which the two sides pledged to boost bilateral ties.

Sophea, also the minister delegate attached to the Cambodian Prime Minister, said Wang's visit is the most timely and powerful support for Cambodia.

China has always given a helping hand to Cambodia at critical moments to help the Southeast Asian country achieve peace, stability, development and revitalization, which has strengthened its confidence and ability to safeguard independence, he added.

Wang said China is ready to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with Cambodia, and enrich the bilateral "diamond hexagon" cooperation framework that covers politics, production capacity, agriculture, energy, security, and people-to-people exchanges

Noting that bilateral cooperation has helped Cambodia rapidly improve people's livelihood, Sophea said Cambodia looks forward to working with China to continuously enhance the strategic nature of Cambodia-China relations, expand cooperation areas and set a good example for high-quality joint construction of the Belt and Road.

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Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said the traditional friendship between China and Cambodia, forged by the older generation of leaders of the two countries, is long-tested and ironclad, which is the most valuable asset of both sides and deserves to be cherished.

Noting that China attaches great importance to China-Cambodia relations, Wang said China will always be a reliable partner for Cambodia to seek development and revitalization, and a strong supporter when Cambodia encounters difficulties.

Calling the recent general election in Cambodia a great success, Wang said the support of the general public provides the greatest confidence and solid foundation for the CPP to face up to challenges and eliminate external interference.

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Wang said China is ready to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with Cambodia, and enrich the bilateral "diamond hexagon" cooperation framework that covers politics, production capacity, agriculture, energy, security, and people-to-people exchanges.

The two sides also exchanged views on deepening cooperation between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). They agreed to maintain close communication and coordination, support ASEAN centrality, and promote regional peace, stability and development to achieve all-win and win-win outcomes. 

Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (left) met with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Hor Namhong, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on Aug 12, 2023. (PHOTO / FOREIGN MINISTRY, CHINA)

Promote community with shared future

Wang also met with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Hor Namhong and Deputy Prime Minister-designate Sun Chanthol on Saturday, with the two sides vowing to further build a China-Cambodia community with a shared future.

Wang extended congratulations to Cambodia on the successful general election and the upcoming formation of a new government.

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As a comprehensive strategic cooperative partner which is building the China-Cambodia community with a shared future, Wang said China firmly supports Cambodia in pursuing a development path suited to its national conditions, safeguarding sovereignty, independence and national dignity, and playing a greater role in regional and international affairs.

Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (left) met with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister-designate Sun Chanthol, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on Aug 12, 2023. (PHOTO / FOREIGN MINISTRY, CHINA)

Wang said Namhong has long been committed to enhancing China-Cambodia friendship and Chanthol has actively promoted the Belt and Road cooperation between the two countries.

China looks forward to working with Cambodia to further build the China-Cambodia community with a shared future in the new era, Wang said, adding that China will continue to support Cambodia in improving its infrastructure and upgrading its industrial development.

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Namhong and Chanthol expressed gratitude to China for taking Cambodia as an ironclad friend and always standing firmly with Cambodia at critical moments.

Noting that aid from China has helped the Southeast Asian kingdom take on a new look, Namhong and Chanthol look forward to advancing the Cambodia-China community with a shared future to a new level on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the Cambodia-China Year of Friendship this year.  

Cambodia is the last leg of Wang's Southeast Asia tour which has taken him to Singapore and Malaysia.