On 9 May 2023, H.E. Secretary General Shi Zhongjun of the ASEAN-China Centre (ACC) met with H.E. Ambassador Khek M. Caimealy Sysoda of Cambodia to China at the ACC.
Secretary General Shi said that China and Cambodia enjoy time-honoured and profound friendship, close high-level exchanges and fruitful practical cooperation in various fields. This year marks the 65th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries, the China-Cambodia Friendship Year as well as the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). China and ASEAN Member States (AMS) including Cambodia are facing new opportunities for practical cooperation and are blessed with broader prospects and greater potential. The ACC stands ready to continue playing its role as facilitating platform and bridge between ASEAN and China, and strengthen further communication and cooperation with the Cambodian Embassy, to better contribute to the steady progress of ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Ambassador Sysoda said that Cambodia and China have long been neighbours sharing traditional amity and ironclad friendship, which dates back to a thousand years ago and have been nurtured and enhanced by the two leaders. She personally witnessed the setting up and running of the ACC, growing with speed and quality. As the only intergovernmental organization established by AMS and China, the ACC has been instrumental in promoting Cambodia-China relations and enhancing the level of cooperation and exchanges between ASEAN and China. In the post-pandemic era, the Cambodian side will, as always, continue working with the ACC to better carry out more cooperation projects and strive for more achievements in ASEAN-China practical cooperation.