Arken Imirbaki, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC), met separately with Cambodia's acting-head of state Say Chhum and National Assembly President Heng Samrin on Thursday to discuss ways to further enhance ties and cooperation between the two countries.
Say Chhum, on behalf of Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni, expressed his confidence that Arken Imirbaki's visit would further promote long-standing relations, friendship, and solidarity between the peoples of China and Cambodia, according to a news statement released after the talks.
Arken Imirbaki said China saw Cambodia as a good neighbor, friend, brother and partner, and thanked Cambodia for the staunch support for the one-China policy.
Say Chhum highly spoke of the excellent Sino-Cambodian diplomatic relation which was established by Cambodian former King Norodom Sihanouk and former Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai in 1958.
"Say Chhum expressed his satisfactions over good relations and cooperation between the two countries," the statement said, attributing the close ties between the two countries to the frequent exchanges of top leaders' visits.
In a meeting with Heng Samrin, Arken Imirbaki said China would continue to encourage more investors and tourists to Cambodia.
"Both sides also promised to increase the exchanges of visits at all levels between the two legislative bodies," Keo Piseth, spokesman for Heng Samrin, told reporters after the talks.
Heng Samrin voiced his support for the China-proposed "Belt and Road" initiative, saying that the initiative would bring development and prosperity to countries along the routes, including Cambodia.
Arken Imirbaki arrived in Cambodia on Wednesday for a three-day visit. He is scheduled to meet with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on Thursday afternoon.
