The ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) has reaffirmed its dedication to enhancing collaboration in order to build a community of common destiny between the Kingdom and China.

This commitment aims to elevate the concept of “diamond cooperation” for mutual benefit, involving both the CPP and the Communist Party of China (CPC) and between the two nations.

Former Prime Minister Hun Sen, currently CPP president and also head of the Supreme Privy Council to the King, made the pledge during his meeting with Liu Jianchao, head of the CPC’s International Liaison Department, during his September 3-4 visit to Cambodia.

Liu also held discussions with several senior officials, covering subjects that would advance the interests of both countries. These included post-election scenarios, celebrating the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations, and the Year of Cambodia-China Friendship.

Chinese President and CPC General Secretary Xi Jinping’s full backing of the CPP’s developmental path was conveyed by Liu, who also reiterated China’s unwavering support for the Kingdom’s sovereignty.

Both parties expressed satisfaction with the robust and dynamic partnership strategy across various sectors, fostering prosperity, peace and development.

“The two parties highly appreciated the consistent implementation of their memorandum of understanding (MoU), along with supportive visits and exchanges,” stated a September 4 press release.

Thong Mengdavid, a research fellow at the Asian Vision Institute’s Mekong Centre for Strategic Studies, highlighted the enduring strength of China-Cambodia relations. Over the last decade, China has been the Kingdom’s key development and investment partner, contributing to the nation’s progress.

“The CPP and CPC’s commitment is rooted in national interests, peace, cooperation, win-win policies, and the wellbeing of both populations,” he stated.

Kin Phea, director of the International Relations Institute at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, stressed that top-level meetings underscore the commitment to fostering the partnership.

“In my view, the connection has grown stronger, based on existing ties and coordination. The current state of the relationship is at its highest point in history,” he said.