Cooperation and Exchanges with Cambodia

(1) A Delegation of State Oceanic Administration Visited Cambodia

On July 16, 2008, Deputy Administrator Chen Lianzeng paid a visit to the Ministry of Environment, Cambodia, and had bilateral meetings with Mok Mareth, head of the Ministry of Environment. In this first high-level visit, the two sides arrived at consensus in maritime scientific research, environmental protection, tackling climate change, etc., opening a new chapter for bilateral maritime cooperation. 

Minister Mok Mareth extended warm welcome to the Chinese delegation and gave an introduction of Cambodia's endeavors in coastal management and development, environmental protection, the development of maritime industries, etc. 

Deputy Administrator Chen reported on China's maritime affairs work and the functions of the State Oceanic Administration in nine major fields: maritime affairs planning; maritime economy; utilization of waters and management of islands; maritime environmental protection; maritime research; disaster prevention and mitigation; international cooperation; law enforcement; polar research, etc. Mr. Chen also introduced the Framework Program for International Cooperation in the South China Sea and Its Adjacent Waters, ratified by the Chinese government recently, as well as its purposes, principles, and key cooperation areas, and invited Cambodian maritime departments to participate in this framework program. He also encouraged young scholars from Cambodia to apply for Chinese Government Maritime Scholarship for training and education in China. Chen pointed out that China and Cambodia had a long-term friendship and shared the same stance in major international issues and offer support for each other. China is ready to boost cooperation with Maritime affairs and offered support to each other. China was willing to work with Cambodia in maritime affairs. As for this, Chen put forward three proposals. First, the two sides should hold a seminar at an early date to specify cooperation areas and propose suggestions on cooperation projects. Second, the Ministry of Environment of Cambodia and other maritime-related departments were welcomed to take part in the second Blue Economy Forum, High-level Seminar on Maritime Sustainable Development in Developing Countries, and Xiamen International Maritime Week in November 2012. Third, on the basis of joint maritime research, the two sides should deepen the intergovernmental maritime cooperation, and introduce a high-level dialogue on maritime affairs step by step as a preliminary to signing a bilateral cooperation agreement at a proper time. These proposals met with positive response and support from Minister Mok Mareth.