Phnom Penh (FN), Oct. 12 – Chinese State Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi said China will continue to strongly support Cambodia in safeguarding sovereignty and national dignity, speaking Monday at a courtesy call on Prime Minister Hun Sen at the Peace Palace Phnom Penh.

The premier’s personal secretary Eang Sophalleth told the press that Wang Yi conveyed regards of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang to Prime Minister Hun Sen and reiterated China’s support for Cambodia’s independence and sovereignty.

"China will continue to strongly support Cambodia in safeguarding sovereignty and national dignity,” Sophalleth quoted Minister Wang Yi as saying.

China and Cambodia have become the ironclad friends that share weal and woe. Minister Wang Yi also recalled Prime Minister Hun Sen’s working visit to Beijing in February during China’s most difficult time in combatting COVID19. The Chinese top leaders are deeply touched Cambodia’s gesture, which reflects the long-lasting relations of traditional friendship, solidarity, and fraternity.

Minister Wang Yi also briefed Premier Hun Sen the results of his meetings with Deputy Prime Minister Hor Namhong and Deputy Prime Minister Prak Sokhonn on comprehensive strategic partnership between Cambodia and China.

In response, Premier Hun Sen conveyed regards to President Xi, Premier Li, and to the Chinese people. He highly commended the fruitful results between Cambodia-China cooperation.

Cambodia’s Strongman underlined that the signing of Cambodia-China Free Trade Agreement (CCFTA) today marks great importance.

“The EBA preferential scheme will be gone one day, but CCFTA will last forever,” Sophalleth quoted Prime Minister Hun Sen as saying.

Cambodia is the first country of Minster Wang Yi’s tour to Southeast Asia. Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying announced Friday that Wang Yi will pay official visits to Cambodia, Malaysia, Laos, and Thailand, and pay a transit visit to Singapore from 11-15 October 2020.
=FRESH NEWS