Through their parliamentary bodies, Cambodia and China have expressed great satisfaction with the historic achievements of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) and the Cambodian-Chinese Community of Common Destiny vision, which are characterised by their exceptional quality, elevated standards and a high level of excellence, according to a senior Cambodian senator. 

The commendation was made at a December 20 meeting between Say Chhum, acting head of state and president of the Senate, and Gao Yunlong, vice-chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), during the latter’s official visit to the Kingdom. 

According to the Senate’s press release, Chhum greatly valued the delegation’s visit, noting its substantial contribution to enhancing the friendship, solidarity and cooperation between the two nations and their parliaments. 

He emphasised that such efforts would bring mutual benefits to both peoples, both presently and in the future.

“2023 is the year of Cambodia-China friendship and the 65th anniversary of the establishment of Cambodia-China diplomatic relations. Both countries and their peoples have celebrated numerous events to foster mutual cultural understanding and way of life, and the leaders have designated 2024 as the year of Cambodian-Chinese people-to-people exchange,” Chhum was quoted as saying in the release. 

He also noted that the country has garnered immense socio-economic development benefits through the agreements.

He said the support to the Cambodian Senate from its Chinese counterpart has significantly contributed to the capacity building of the institution and the competency of civil servants in the Senate’s General Secretariat.

Gao lauded the remarkable achievements of Sino-Cambodian relations, which exemplify the strong friendship, as observed in meetings with association representatives and locals.

On behalf of his delegation, he expressed deep gratitude to Cambodia for supporting China’s core interests and for its backing in international forums, as well as for the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). 

He expressed hope for further strengthening and enhancing exchanges between the Cambodian Senate and the CPPCC, civil societies and enterprises of both countries.

Gao outlined the three main objectives of the current visit: To strengthen relations and cooperation between the Cambodian Senate and the CPPCC; to engage in the practical implementation of enhancing Sino-Cambodian relations and fostering a deeper common destiny; and to participate in the initiation of Cambodia-China cooperation for the people’s benefit within the framework of promoting people-to-people connectivity through the Silk Road.

Gao also paid a courtesy call and held discussions with Prime Minister Hun Manet on December 20.