Third conference on Cambodia-China ties held in Cambodia

The 3rd conference on the 55th anniversary of the Cambodia-China diplomatic relations was called here on Monday, aiming at broadening traditional and friendly ties between the two countries. The one-day forum, organized by the Confucius Institute at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, was attended by more than 200 people from various ministries in Cambodia, said Khlot Thyda, president of the Royal Academy of Cambodia. She said four speakers, two Cambodian and two Chinese experts, had presented the history and development of the diplomatic ties between Cambodia and China from 1958 to present, focusing on relations in culture, language, diplomacy, and information system. "Cambodia and China are the oldest friends in Asia, and the friendly relations have been constantly maintained and fostered from one generation to another," she said. "Through the conference, peoples of our two countries will learn more from each other." Addressing the closing of the conference, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Cabinet Minister Sok An said the conference truly reflected the high attention of the Cambodian government and the Chinese government in strengthening and expanding the long- standing friendly relations between the two countries. He said the diplomatic ties between the two countries were established on July 19, 1958. "Up to now, under the leadership of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, the friendly ties and cooperation between Cambodia and China have been well-developed in all fields," he said. Sok An also highly spoke of nice ties between the two countries in all fields, particularly in politics, economics, trade, investment, tourism, education, and culture. Meanwhile, Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Bu Jianguo said that the conference was vital to promote relationship and to seek possibilities to deepen ties and cooperation between the two countries. "Having gone through numerous vicissitudes in modern times, the relationship and cooperation between China and Cambodia have become stronger and stronger," she said. "China and Cambodia are good and faithful neighbors, friends, partners and brothers." She recalled that the relationship between the two countries got closer in December 2010 when then Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen agreed in Beijing to upgrade the ties to the comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation.