The Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) said that China-Cambodia relations over the last 50 years had won out over “obstacles” and reached its best level ever in the history of the two countries’ diplomacy.

The remarks were made by Lin Songtian, President of the CPAFFC on September 15 at a celebration to commemorate the 100th birthday anniversary of the late King Father Norodom Sihanouk, which was held in China. The event was co-hosted by the CPAFFC and the Cambodian embassy in China.

“China pays great attention to the traditional and special relationship between China and Cambodia. For more than 50 years, traditional friendship between China and Cambodia has won out over the contest of time and storms of obstacles, which will make this relationship last even longer,” he said.

Lin Songtian said that in recent years, under the direct instructions from President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Hun Sen, the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries had advanced to reach this peak in bilateral relations.

He said he appreciated ASEAN and Cambodia for maintaining strategic balance and taking the long view with their political vision for protecting peace, stability, development and prosperity in the region, focusing on personal and common interests between nations.

He said he appreciated the stance of the countries of the region for not opting to choose one foreign power over another but the 21st century is the century of Asia.

“We must maintain our traditional relationship and become closer partners and we must strengthen our cooperation for our mutual interests. We must be partners in a joint development plan, expand people to people relations and be partners that truly understand each other,” he said.