China, Cambodia vow to advance ties

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (R) meets with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, who is here to attend the 10th ASEAN-China Expo, in Nanning, capital of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Sept. 2, 2013. (Xinhua/Zhang Duo)

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang met with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen in Nanning on Monday, vowing to further promote their bilateral strategic partnership.

During their meeting on the sidelines of the 10th ASEAN-China Expo, which is set to run from Sept. 3-6 in Nanning, capital of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Li first congratulated the Cambodian People's Party on its victory in the country's general election earlier last month.

Calling Cambodia "an important neighbor of close friendship," Li said China and Cambodia enjoy great political mutual trust, deepening cooperation in various areas and expanding common interests, and have become strategic partners that support and rely on each other.

China supports the development path Cambodia has chosen that accords with the country's national situation and is led by the prime minister, said Li.

He said China is willing to maintain high-level exchanges with Cambodia, enhance bilateral strategic communication, expand trade and investment, and cooperation in key areas like infrastructure construction, agriculture and personnel training, and strengthen coordination in international and regional affairs.

Hun Sen, on behalf of the Cambodian government and the people, voiced appreciation of China's firm support and assistance.

He said China has always been Cambodia's sincere friend and reliable partner, adding that the Cambodian side is keen to maintain close communication with China and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in order to lift the bilateral ties to a new height.