PHNOM PENH, Jun 23 (NNN-AKP) – Cooperation between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China, provided mutual benefits and greatly contributed to regional peace, stability and development, Cambodian deputy prime minister and defence minister, Gen. Tea Banh, said here yesterday.
Gen. Banh made the remarks, while co-chairing the ASEAN-China Defence Ministers’ Informal Meeting, via video link with Chinese State Councillor and Defence Minister, Wei Fenghe.
“In the last 30 years, ASEAN-China cooperation has made remarkable progress in all fields, which has provided mutual benefits and made significant contributions to promoting peace, stability and security, regional development and prosperity,” he said.
He added that, since 2009, China has been a major trading partner of ASEAN, and in 2020, ASEAN has become a major trading partner of China.
Banh recalled that, at the ASEAN-China Special Summit, to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the ASEAN-China dialogue relations in Nov last year, the leaders agreed to promote ASEAN-China relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, which is a turning point in the history of ASEAN-China relations.
He added that the leaders also agreed to continue to promote security and political cooperation by maintaining frequent high-level exchanges, increasing sharing of experience on governance, to deepen mutual trust, and enhancing dialogue and coordination in ASEAN-led frameworks.
“I am pleased to note that the People’s Republic of China has actively participated in the implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, and worked together with ASEAN towards the conclusion of an effective and sustainable Code of Conduct, to ensure regional stability and peace.”
Meanwhile, Banh also expressed his deep gratitude to China, for supporting Cambodia in the fight against COVID-19, since the beginning, creating conducive conditions for the kingdom to have a strong foundation to overcome this infectious disease.– NNN-AKP
