China's senior diplomat is scheduled to visit Cambodia to engage in discussions about worldwide development and security initiatives.

 

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi is set to embark on a state visit to Cambodia, planned for August 12th to 13th.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is scheduled to embark on a state visit to Cambodia from August 12th to 13th. During his mission, which began on August 10th, Wang will also visit two other ASEAN countries, Singapore and Malaysia.

The Chinese government has expressed its readiness to collaborate with these three Southeast Asian nations to advance global development, security, and civilization initiatives.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of Chinese President Xi Jinping's concept of establishing a community of common destiny. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning highlighted on August 9th that Southeast Asian countries have been at the forefront of promoting this vision, and they are China's most significant partners for cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Mao Ning mentioned, "China's relations with Singapore, Malaysia, and Cambodia have consistently shown strong growth momentum. China and Singapore have forged a comprehensive, high-quality, future-oriented partnership. China and Malaysia have reached a mutual understanding on jointly building a community of common destiny."

On August 9th, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning highlighted that Southeast Asian nations have been at the forefront of promoting this vision, making them crucial partners for cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Mao Ning emphasized, "China's relations with Singapore, Malaysia, and Cambodia have consistently maintained strong growth momentum. China and Singapore have forged a comprehensive, high-quality, future-oriented partnership. China and Malaysia have arrived at mutual understandings on jointly establishing a community of common destiny."

He continued, "China and Cambodia are also striving to initiate a new era of constructing a high-quality, high-level, and high-standard China-Cambodia community of common destiny."

Mao Ning further expressed that China aims for this visit to enhance strategic communication with these three nations, actualize the new characterization of China-Singapore relations, make tangible progress in the construction of a community of common destiny with both Malaysia and Cambodia, deepen high-quality Belt and Road Initiative cooperation, and elevate bilateral relations to new heights.

He elaborated that China is prepared to collaborate closely with these three countries to advance global development, security, and civilization initiatives, stimulate post-pandemic economic recovery, ensure peace and stability, enhance interactions, and promote mutual learning. This collaborative effort is aimed at enabling China to make an even more significant contribution to the peace, stability, and development not only within the region but also beyond.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation released a statement on August 10th regarding the upcoming visit. According to the statement, during his time in Cambodia, the top diplomat will receive a royal audience with King Norodom Sihamoni at the Royal Palace. Additionally, he will hold separate courtesy meetings with Prime Minister Hun Sen and Prime Minister-in-waiting Hun Manet.

The discussions during these meetings will encompass a wide range of topics related to both bilateral and multilateral cooperation, reflecting the shared priorities of the involved parties.

He will also engage in discussions with Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Prak Sokhonn, as well as Sok Chenda Sophea, Minister Delegate attached to the Prime Minister and secretary-general of the Council for the Development of Cambodia.

"The conversations will encompass a wide range of cooperation dimensions, spanning bilateral and multilateral aspects, aligning with the mutual interests of both nations," the ministry conveyed.

"Given that the visit coincides with the celebration of the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations and years of friendship between the two countries, it will contribute significantly to further strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership of Cooperation between the two nations," the statement added.

The ministry elucidated that this visit will also reinforce the shared future high-level community, nurture the Diamond Cooperation Framework, and promote collaboration across regional and international platforms. These efforts aim to mutually benefit both countries and their populations.

Kin Phea, the director of the International Relations Institute at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, commented that the forthcoming visit of the senior Chinese diplomat signifies the considerable importance China attaches to ASEAN. This move also suggests that the quality of Sino-ASEAN relations will experience further enhancement in 2023.

He noted, "This visit also highlights China's endorsement of the Cambodian government's seventh term. It confirms China's consistent support for the Kingdom and its government, which have consistently expanded their ties and cooperation. This backing remains steadfast, even following the appointment of a new prime minister and Cabinet."