PHNOM PENH, Oct 13 (NNN-AKP) – Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, and Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Prak Sokhonn, agreed yesterday, to further enhance cooperation between the two countries.
During a meeting with Prak Sokhonn, Wang said, since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Cambodia maintained mutual support, and bilateral ties have been lifted to a higher level, in their concerted fight against COVID-19.
China will continue to firmly support Cambodia in safeguarding national sovereignty and dignity, taking a development path, suited to its own national conditions, maintaining stability, developing economy, improving people’s livelihood and playing a bigger role in regional and international arenas, Wang said.
China will continue to help Cambodia fight the pandemic and provide China-developed COVID-19 vaccines on a priority basis, when the development is completed and the vaccines are available for use, he said, adding, China is willing to expand investment, to help Cambodia develop industrial system and improve its own development capabilities.
Beijing stands ready to work with Phnom Penh to step up coordination, to ensure the signing of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) this year, conduct cooperation in fields of Blue Economy, data security, among others, and help lift China-ASEAN relations to a higher level, Wang said.
He also urged both sides to form synergy with the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor and Lancang-Mekong Cooperation, to inject more energy for economic recovery in Lancang-Mekong region. Wang called for upholding multilateralism, defending the authority of the United Nations, and opposing unilateralism and bullying in any forms.
Prak Sokhonn said, this year marks the 10th anniversary of bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation. Cambodia attaches great importance to ties with China and stands ready to further promote the building of the community with a shared future with China.
He expressed gratitude to China for its help in the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic and in economic recovery, saying that, Cambodia wants to strengthen cooperation with China to fight the virus and maintain strong development momentum of bilateral ties.
Both sides agreed to establish fast-track and green-channel for personnel and logistics between the two countries.– NNN-AKP
