Xi: Carry forward ironclad friendship
China, Cambodia to jointly promote regional prosperity
Two-way trade has expanded remarkably, thanks to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership free trade deal and the China-Cambodia Free Trade Agreement. Last year, bilateral trade reached $17.83 billion, up 20.7 percent year-on-year.
China and Cambodia are also at the forefront of Belt and Road cooperation, with many landmark projects such as the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway and the Siem Reap Angkor International Airport becoming key drivers of Cambodia's economic and social development and creating tens of thousands of local jobs.
King Sihamoni said that Xi's historic visit to Cambodia will deepen the ironclad friendship, enrich the dimensions of the Diamond Hexagon cooperation framework and take their relationship to a new level.
Cambodia is also willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation with China within multilateral mechanisms such as ASEAN-China cooperation and Lancang-Mekong cooperation, to jointly promote regional peace, stability and prosperity, he said.
After the meeting, King Sihamoni awarded Xi, "a great friend of Cambodia", the National Order of Independence — Grand Collar for his outstanding contributions to the development of Cambodia-China relations.
On Thursday, Xi also met separately with Hun Sen, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Cambodian Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk. He also attended a ceremony for the exchange of more than 30 cooperation agreements.
During the meeting with Hun Sen, Xi reiterated opposition to unilateralism and hegemonism, saying that no country is willing to regress to isolation.
Hun Sen said that Cambodia is willing to strengthen strategic security cooperation with China, expand bilateral trade, welcome more Chinese companies to invest in Cambodia, and deepen people-to-people exchanges.
Xi's visit came on the occasion of the Khmer New Year. In a written statement upon his arrival at Phnom Penh International Airport, Xi, on behalf of the Chinese government and people, extended warm New Year greetings to the Cambodian government and people.
