PHNOM PENH: Strengthening ASEAN-China partnership was the topic of discussion between H.E. SOK Chenda Sophea, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Integrational Cooperation, and H.E. Ms. Hou Yanqi, Ambassador of China to ASEAN, at the ministry last week.
According to press release of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation released on April 10, both sides commended the good momentum of ASEAN-China relations, recalled decisions by leaders on the establishment of the meaningful, substantive and mutually beneficial ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2001, and welcomed 2024 as the ASEAN-China Year of People-to-People Exchanges. They further looked forward to successful implementation of activities and projects to deepen and broaden connections and promote interactions between the two sides.
H.E. SOK Chenda Sophea underlined the salience of the “ASEAN Way” – consultation and consensus-based decision-making enshrined in the ASEAN Charter, stressing the uniqueness of the association, and preserved it centrality and unity in relations with partners.
The Cambodian top diplomate also thanked China for extensive support to ASEAN community-building efforts.
On Cambodia-China front, H.E. SOK Chenda Sophea highly appreciated the significant contribution of China’s Global Development Initiative and Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to Cambodia’s socio-economic development over the years.
Besides, he stressed the importance of the “diamond cooperation” framework between Cambodia and China, notably in the fields of agriculture, energy and people-to-people exchanges, as well as highly valued China’s continued support for Cambodia’s development.
For his part, H.E. Ms. Hou Yanqi cherished Cambodia’s active role in ASEAN community-building and acknowledged the importance of ASEAN in maintaining peace, security, stability, and enhancing growth in the region.
The Chinese ambassador took the opportunity to reaffirm China’s firm support and respect for ASEAN centrality and unity, and underscored China’s strong commitment to quality cooperation with Cambodia under the BRI.
Both sides also exchanged views on regional and international issues of common interest and concern, including Mekong-Lancang Cooperation.