Chinese, Cambodian leaders exchange congratulations on 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties

BEIJING - Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday exchanged congratulatory messages with Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni to mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Xi said in his message that over the past 60 years, the two peoples have supported each other on issues of their core interests, and have forged a profound friendship.

The China-Cambodia friendship, built upon the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, has withstood the test of time and global changes and has grown stronger, said Xi.

The Chinese leader said he is pleased to see that the bilateral relations have achieved new significant development, with the political mutual trust enhanced and their cooperation on Belt and Road yielding remarkable results.

Meanwhile, the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two sides has been constantly enriched, bringing tangible benefits to both peoples and contributing to the peaceful development of the region and the world at large, Xi said.

Xi said he attaches great importance to China-Cambodia relations, voicing his hope that both sides will make concerted efforts to promote their traditional friendship, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, forge a community of shared future of strategic significance, and achieve common development and prosperity.

King Sihamoni said in his message that Cambodia firmly adheres to the one-China principle, adding that China is fully supportive of Cambodia choosing a development path that suits its national conditions.

The two countries have worked side by side not only to safeguard their common interests, but also to make contributions to peace, stability and prosperity of the region and the world, he said.

The Cambodian king said that as the world's second largest economy, China is playing an increasingly important role in the world, bringing tangible benefits to countries around the globe including Cambodia.

Also on Thursday, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen exchanged congratulatory messages.

In his message, Li recalled his visit to Cambodia in January this year, saying China will continue to firmly support Cambodia's choice of development path.

Li said he is willing to work together with Hun Sen to further consolidate the China-Cambodia traditional friendship, deepen pragmatic cooperation, and bring the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership to new heights.

Hun Sen said in his message that he is glad to see expanding pragmatic cooperation between the two sides, noting that China has become Cambodia's largest investor and top source of tourists.

He expressed his belief that the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of Cambodia-China diplomatic ties will enhance the fraternal friendship and deepen the comprehensive strategic cooperation between the two countries.