China ready to boost ties with Cambodia

Premier Li Keqiang meets with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn in Beijing, capital of China, May 31, 2019. [Photo/Xinhua]

Li calls for efforts to move forward with South China Sea code of conduct talks

China and Cambodia should better align development strategies and move forward with pragmatic cooperation in key areas to jointly build a community with a shared future between the two countries, Premier Li Keqiang said on Friday.

Li's remarks came as he met with Prak Sokhonn, Cambodia's deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs and international cooperation, at the Zhongnanhai leadership compound in Beijing.

China stands ready to improve coordination and cooperation with Cambodia within frameworks such as China-Association of Southeast Asian Nations and Lancang-Mekong Cooperation, he said.

He also called for efforts to move forward with negotiations on the South China Sea code of conduct to jointly safeguard a stable environment, which is a necessity to regional development.

The premier noted that China and Cambodia, with a deep traditional friendship, have always respected each other and conducted equal cooperation. Both countries are committed to developing their economies, improving their people's livelihoods and achieving common development, he added.

China supports Cambodia in following a path of development that suits its national conditions, and it is important to ensure that the growth of bilateral relations can better benefit the two peoples, he said.

Li also expressed China's support for Cambodia's hosting of the Asia-Europe Meeting next year and the country's constructive role in promoting regional and world peace, stability and development.

Prak Sokhonn expressed Cambodia's appreciation for China's support and help, noting that bilateral relations have seen long-term healthy and stable development.

Cambodia is willing to maintain close high-level exchanges and deepen mutual support and coordination on regional and international issues, he said. He also called for efforts to build a community with a shared future between Cambodia and China and to make the bilateral relations even better.

The meeting was the third between leaders of the two countries in the last two months.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen was in Beijing to attend the Second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in April, and Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni attended the Conference on Dialogue of Asian Civilizations in Beijing earlier this month.