Cambodian PM's visit aims to enhance ties with China

The two-day visit of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen to China had brought closer relations and cooperation in politics, economics, trade, investment and health between the two countries, said a Cambodian senior official on Monday.

Hun Sen visited Urumqi of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in northwest China on Sept. 1-2 in order to attend the 2nd China- Eurasia Expo.

Speaking to reporters at Phnom Penh International Airport on Monday upon the premier's return from China, Secretary of State for the Ministry of Economy and Finance Aun Porn Moniroth said that during in Urumqi, Prime Minister Hun Sen met with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Sept. 2.

"The talk was held in a close and deep atmosphere with the spirit of friendship and close cooperation," he said.

In the meeting, Wen pledged to continue helping Cambodia in developing physical infrastructures, which are the key elements for social and economic development, he said.

Wen also pledged to promote agriculture cooperation between the two countries and would encourage more Chinese companies to invest in rice processing plants in Cambodia, added Moniroth.

In addition, he pledged to assist Cambodia in health sector through human resources training and combating any forms of epidemics.

As the year 2013 is the 55th anniversary of the establishment of China-Cambodia diplomatic relation, the two premiers agreed to organize events to celebrate the anniversary. Wen said Chinese government decided to invite 100 Cambodian youths to visit China next year.

Moreover, Wen expressed his appreciation to Cambodia, which holds the rotating chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), for its important role in maintaining the overall situation of friendly relations between China and the ASEAN.

He expressed China's stance in expanding closer cooperation with ASEAN and other countries in the region for the goal of peace, stability, harmony and development.

Meanwhile, Hun Sen expressed his profound and sincere thanks to China for generous assistance and fruitful cooperation with Cambodia.

He also thanked China for fully supporting Cambodia's candidacy for the non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) in the 2013-2014 term.

The premier asked China to consider lending Cambodia between 300 to 500 million U.S. dollars a year in order to enable Cambodia to use it for the development of infrastructures and irrigation system.

Wen agreed in principle with this proposal, said Moniroth.

Besides meeting with Premier Wen Jiabao, Prime Minister Hun Sen met with Ding Liguo, executive chairman of the board of Delong Holdings Group, on Sept. 1.

According to Moniroth, Ding Liguo told the premier that the firm planned to invest 2 billion U.S. dollars in an industrial zone and a steel plant in Cambodia.

The plant could be capable to produce up to 3 million tons of steel a year, he said, adding that the ambitious project could create up to 10,000 jobs.

Meanwhile, Hun Sen voiced his support for the project, advising the firm to look for a proper location in Cambodia for the investment and recommending the company to give high attention to environment impact.