Cambodia and China have reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen the “diamond cooperation” framework and deepen the building of a “community of common destiny”. The two nations plan to celebrate 2024 as the year of people-to-people exchanges, to promote investment and tourism.

Foreign minister Sok Chenda Sophea met with Lou Qinjian, chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of China’s National People’s Congress (NPC), on November 7 at the Ministry of Affairs and International Cooperation in Phnom Penh.

Under the diamond cooperation framework, the two sides have agreed to develop it with a focus on five areas: politics, production, agriculture, energy and security.

A foreign ministry press release said the two countries reaffirm their commitment as they celebrate the 65th anniversary of diplomatic ties and the Cambodia-China Friendship Year.

“Both sides noted with satisfaction the remarkable progress of Cambodia-China relations and commended the frequent high-level exchanges of visits between legislative and executive institutions of the two nations,” it said.

Both sides underscored the importance of effectively implementing a strategic consensus between leaders, including through the establishment of the “Industrial and Technological Corridor” and the “Fish and Rice Corridor.”

Chenda Sophea conveyed his appreciation to China for its invaluable support and assistance to the Kingdom’s socio-economic development, including through the timely provision of Covid-19 vaccines.

He also praised the outstanding achievements of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) cooperation between the two countries, especially the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway and the new Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport (SAI).

Lou congratulated Cambodia for the “successful” 2023 general election, and for the smooth formation of the National Assembly and new government. He expressed his confidence that Cambodia would continue to accomplish great things in the new mandate.

Kin Phea, director of the Royal Academy of Cambodia’s International Relations Institute, believes that the relationship between the two countries will be even further enhanced as they join hands to build a “community of common destiny”.

“Cambodia needs investment from China, as well as an exchange of trade. We also require support for the development of physical infrastructure, such as bridges, roads and so forth. China is the Kingdom’s most significant investor in development assistance,” he added.

The two diplomats exchanged views on ensuring that the year of people-to-people exchanges will be productive and provides concrete outcomes, such as additional direct flights from China to Cambodia, particularly to Siem Reap province.

Lou arrived in Siem Reap province on November 7, to meet with the leadership of the province.

“The visit of the delegates to Siem Reap was a reflection of the strong bonds of friendship, solidarity and cooperation between the national assemblies and governments of the two countries,” said the provincial administration.

Ean Khun, chairman of the provincial council, briefed the Chinese delegates on the potential of Siem Reap, explaining that the people of the province depend on tourism and agriculture as their economic mainstays.

He hoped that the opening of SAI would lead to an increase in the number of visitors, particularly from China. He asked the delegates to promote the Cambodian culture and history and encourage more Chinese visit to the Kingdom.

Khun also wanted to see further progress through the BRI, especially through bilateral cooperation in the areas of industry, agriculture, investment and cultural exchanges.

The press release quoted Lou as saying that he would work hard to promote people-to-people cooperation between the two countries.