Int'l conference on anniversary of Cambodian-Sino ties

PHNOM PENH - The 2nd international conference on the 54th anniversary of Cambodia-China diplomatic relations was held here on Wednesday to broadly promote the long-standing and close ties between the two countries.

The one-day event, organized by the Confucius Institute at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, was attended by 200 participants from various ministries in Cambodia, said Khlot Thyda, president of the Royal Academy of Cambodia.

She said six well-known speakers, including a Chinese, presented the development of the diplomatic relations between Cambodia and China from 1958 to today, focusing on relations in culture, language, diplomacy, military, and media system.

"Cambodia and China are the oldest friends in Asia, and the friendship relations have been maintained and further enhanced from one generation to another," she said. ?

Speaking at the closing of the conference, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Sok An, Minister in charge of the Council of Ministers, said that Cambodia and China have had deep relations since old times - about 2000 years ago.

He said the diplomatic ties between the two countries were established in 1958.

"Currently, under the leadership of Prime Minister Hun Sen, the friendship relation and solidarity between the peoples of the two countries have moved closer and cooperation in all domains has been further strengthened and expanded," he said. "Moreover, Cambodia undoubtedly supports the One-China Policy."

Sok An also highly evaluated good relations between the two countries in all fields, such as culture, politics, diplomacy, trade and investment.

Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Pan Guangxue said that the conference was very important to boost closer ties between China and Cambodia, and to explore other possibilities to further enhance the two countries' relationship and cooperation.

"China and Cambodia have become good neighbors since ancient times," he said. "Particularly, in the last 54 years, the relations have been developed constantly and rapidly." ?

The ambassador also recalled that Sino-Cambodian relations have become stronger in December 2010 when Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen agreed in Beijing to increase the ties to "the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership of Cooperation."