Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan visited Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni and Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk ahead of the traditional Mid-Autumn Festival in Beijing on Sept. 19.
Wishing the King and the Queen Mother a happy festival and good health, Xi said the close and special relationship between China and Cambodia is characterized by deep historical feelings.
Since the two countries established diplomatic ties 60 years ago, the China-Cambodia friendship, which was forged and cultivated by Chinese leaders of the older generation and Cambodian King Father Norodom Sihanouk, is growing more and more vibrant.
Applauding King Sihamoni and Queen Mother Monineaths significant contribution to the bilateral relations, Xi said China treasures the special friendship with the Cambodian royal family.
“Since 2016, I have met with King Sihamoni and Queen Mother Monineath every year, just like a family reunion,” Xi said, adding that he and King Sihamoni have reached important consensus on inheriting and carrying forward the traditional friendship, leading the bilateral relationship to its best period in history.
Xi called for frequent interaction between the two nations at a high official level as well as among the people “like close relatives.”
Congratulating the successful general election in Cambodia, Xi expressed his wish that the Southeast Asian country accomplish new and greater achievements in its national development.
Xi remarked that China attaches great importance to its ties with Cambodia and will work together with the country to carry forward the traditional friendship and step up the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership continuously.
Expressing their gratitude for Xi and Peng, King Sihamoni and Queen Mother Monineath noted that it feels like meeting family every time they see Xi and Peng.
The Cambodian people are grateful for Chinas firm and long-lasting support and assistance as well as President Xis great attention to the development of the Cambodia-China ties, said King Sihamoni.
Recalling President Xis historic visit to Cambodia in 2016, King Sihamoni and Queen Mother Monineath opined that the visit elevated the Cambodia-China relationship to a new high.
Hailing the firm friendship and booming cooperation between the two countries, the King insisted that the royal family will inherit the friendship forged by King Father Sihanouk and continue advancing the comprehensive strategic cooperation between Cambodia and China.