COVER sTORY

GOOD NEIGHBORS AND TRUSTED FRIENDS

On the morning of Oct. 13, 2016, the Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh, was in high spirits. Tens of thousands of people gathered on streets, holding portraits of the state leaders of China and Cambodia and waving both countries’ national flags and bright bouquets to warmly welcome Chinese President Xi Jinping. This was Xi’s first visit to Cambodia as the president of China as well as the first state visit of Chinese head of state to an ASEAN country this year.

For more than half a century since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Cambodia, a close bond of friendship cultivated by several generations of state leaders have enjoyed popular support in both countries. Prior to his arrival in Phnom Penh, President Xi published a signed article in a leading Cambodian newspaper, describing Sino-Cambodian ties as a relationship between “devoted friends”and “neighbors who share a bond of brotherhood”. He also put forward important proposals for strengthening comprehensive strategic partnership with Cambodia in a wide range of areas, which received warm responses from the Cambodian people.

During his visit, President Xi met with Cambodia’s King Norodom Sihamoni and visited the Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk. He also held talks with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and attended the signing ceremony of bilateral cooperation documents. From enhancing political trust to promoting economic cooperation and cultural exchanges, the Chinese President’s visit to Cambodia has pushed the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership of the two countries to new heights.

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives at Phnom Penh International Airport on Oct. 13, 2016, to start his state visit to the Kingdom of Cambodia.