Prime Minister Hun Sen shakes hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping on February 10 in Beijing. SPM
Prime Minister Hun Sen, in his capacity as president of the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP), has committed to reinforcing ties with Communist Party of China (CPC) general secretary Xi Jinping. The move is part of his plan to bolster the strategic partnership between the two political organisations.
Hun Sen’s commitment was expressed in his July 26 letter of gratitude addressed to the incumbent Chinese president, in response to his congratulatory note applauding Hun Sen’s emphatic victory in the July 23 general election.
The premier said in the letter that he took great pleasure in the growing camaraderie between the CPP and the CPC. He noted how the flourishing cooperation has formed a community bound by a robust friendship and a future of common destiny.
While the Cambodian political scene transitions with the formation of a new government, Hun Sen assures Xi that his country’s stance towards China remains steadfast.
“I am ready to strengthen the cooperation between our two parties and deepen our comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation,” he affirmed.
“Our goal is to jointly build a high-level and high-standard Cambodia-China Community of Common Destiny that will benefit our countries and our peoples mutually,” he added.
Hun Sen expressed deep appreciation to Xi for the latter’s congratulatory words on the CPP’s sweeping victory in the July 23 election.
“I appreciate your recognition of Cambodia’s achievements over the past years under the CPP’s leadership,” he stated.
At the same time, Hun Sen extended his congratulations to China, under the steadfast leadership of the CPC, led by Xi.
He praised the country’s rapid development in all areas, viewing it as an impetus towards the realisation of the “Second Centenary Goal”.
This aims for the significant rejuvenation of China and its reinforced role in the regional and international arena.
Additionally, Hun Sen expressed profound gratitude to Chinese Premier Li Qiang for his warm words following the CPP’s electoral triumph and for his high regard for the Kingdom’s achievements under Hun Sen’s leadership.
“I assure you that in this new government mandate, Cambodia’s policy towards China will continue to be built on traditional friendship, mutual trust and win-win cooperation,” he confirmed.
As Cambodia and China commemorate their 65th year of diplomatic relations and celebrate the year of Cambodian-Chinese friendship, Hun Sen reaffirms his commitment to collaborate closely with Li.
This collaboration is aimed at promoting a community of common destiny between Cambodia and China and enhancing what has been termed as “diamond” cooperation for the mutual benefit of their peoples.
These actions contribute to peace, stability and prosperity in the region and the world.
Yang Peou, secretary-general of the Royal Academy of Cambodia, opined that with the upcoming seventh-mandate government likely to be led by a new Prime Minister, Hun Manet, Cambodia needs to maintain its firm partnership with China.
He expressed that while new leadership would steer Cambodia, the strong friendship and “diamond” cooperation with China would continue to be prioritised and bolstered. This is because such cooperation was crafted for the common good.
“Considering the progress Cambodia has made, we cannot overlook the benefits of cooperation between the two nations. China has significantly benefited Cambodia, contributing to the development of our infrastructure such as bridges, roads and highways, and has made substantial investments in our country,” he elaborated.
Peou underscored that these achievements were the fruits of solid cooperation between Cambodia and China. Consequently, Cambodia needs to underscore its readiness to continue this cooperation.
