(Phnom Penh): The state visit of His Excellency President Xi Jinping to the Kingdom of Cambodia marked a moment of great historical and diplomatic importance. With great honor, in the capacity of the chief of protocol of the president of the Senate of Cambodia, I also participated in welcoming President Xi, whose gracious demeanor, humility, and warmth left a strong impression on all who were present. His sincere and close engagement made everyone feel genuinely welcomed and respected.

I had the honor of engaging directly with President Xi during the reception. As the chief of protocol, I wish to express my sincere appreciation for the longstanding friendship between Cambodia and China and for the president’s historic visit. It was during this meaningful exchange that I had the honor of sharing that I am currently pursuing a doctoral degree under the Silk Road Talents Program at the China-ASEAN Legal Research Center of Southwest University of Political Science and Law in Chongqing.

In response, President Xi expressed great encouragement and warmly stated, “Southwest University of Political Science and Law is one of the best law universities in China, and most of the leaders graduated from that law school.” His affirmation reflected strong support for international academic exchange and talent cultivation between Cambodia and China.

As a Cambodian government official and Ph.D. candidate in Chongqing, I am deeply committed to contributing to the enhancement of bilateral cooperation and mutual understanding between our two countries. President Xi’s visit has ushered in a new era of China-Cambodia relations, reaffirming the shared commitment to the full and effective implementation of the Cambodia-China Joint Statement.

This joint endeavor extends beyond legal and judicial cooperation to encompass a wide range of strategic areas, including political trust, economic integration, cultural exchange, and human resource development. In particular, judicial cooperation holds great importance not only for Cambodia and China but also for the ASEAN region at large. Strengthening legal frameworks will continue to promote regional integration, uphold the rule of law, and foster a peaceful and inclusive community across Southeast Asia.

“I firmly believe that such comprehensive and multi-dimensional cooperation holds immense significance—not only for the continued development of Cambodia-China relations but also for the stability, connectivity, and prosperity of the broader ASEAN region. In particular, the strengthening of legal and institutional frameworks will serve as a cornerstone for regional integration, promote the rule of law, and support our shared vision of a peaceful and inclusive regional community.”

President Xi’s visit further solidified the longstanding ironclad friendship between Cambodia and China. I would like to express my continued dedication to supporting the shared goals of both nations through my academic pursuits and future professional contributions.

By Yos Sokhemrak, Chief of Protocol of Samdech Techo Hun Sen, the President of the Senate of the Kingdom of Cambodia. The views and opinions expressed are his own.
=FRESH NEWS

Figure 1. President Xi Jinping during his official state visit to the Kingdom of Cambodia.