Chinese President Xi Jinping's two-day state visit to Cambodia, which concluded Friday, has added weight to the two countries' deep-rooted traditional friendship and bilateral cooperation within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative.[Special coverage]
The signing of 31 cooperation documents Thursday will certainly inject more vitality into the close bond between China and Cambodia.
CEMENTING TIME-HONORED FRIENDSHIP
From Phnom Penh International Airport to Cambodian Royal Palace, Xi was given a red carpet treatment by the Cambodian royal family.
Chinese flags, banners and large displays of both countries' landmarks could be seen at the capital's main street, creating a strong atmosphere of warm welcome.
By visiting Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk and laying a wreath at the statue of King Father Norodom Sihanouk, Xi showed his personal feeling towards the Cambodian royal family.
"Hardship reveals true friendship," the president quoted an old Chinese saying in a signed article to describe the relationship with Cambodia.
Cementing the traditional friendship is obviously the main theme that has run through Xi's meeting with the royal family and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen.
"China values its special friendship with the Cambodian royal family and attaches great importance to the development of its relations with Cambodia," Xi told King Norodom Sihamoni.
While meeting Queen Mother Monineath, he said the China-Cambodia friendship was deeply rooted in the hearts of both peoples.
In talks between Xi and Hun Sen, the two leaders agreed that the two countries should continue to be "highly trusted friends, loyal partners and a community of shared destiny in weal and woe."
The traditional China-Cambodia friendship, tested by the times and a changing international landscape, has grown strong like a luxuriant tree thanks to efforts made by successive leaders of both countries.
"Cambodia and China are iron brothers. They enjoy unshakable friendly relations based on mutual respect and common perceptions on many regional and international issues," said Joseph Matthews, director of ASEAN Education Center in Phnom Penh.
"Entering the new era, the China-Cambodia friendship will continue to flourish, beaming with new vitality," Xi said in his article, voicing hope for the bright future of this special friendship.
UNLOCKING COOPERATION POTENTIAL
Cambodia was an important link on the ancient Maritime Silk Road. Strategic linkage of China's Belt and Road Initiative and Cambodia's Rectangular Strategy provides new development opportunities for both sides.
On Thursday, Xi and Hun Sen witnessed the signing of 31 cooperation documents, including a Memorandum of Understanding on formulating outlines for jointly advancing the construction of the Belt and Road.
The two sides also signed agreements on economic and technological cooperation as well as advancing major projects on production capacity cooperation and investment cooperation.
