Xi hails ties with Cambodia

China-Cambodia relations have become a model of friendly coexistence and close cooperation among countries, Chinese President Xi Jinping said at an international forum that opened on Sunday.

China and Cambodia are good neighbors, friends, partners and brothers, Xi said while meeting with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on the sidelines of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2013 in Boao, a coastal town in south China's Hainan Province.

China has attached great importance to Cambodia as well as the countries' bilateral ties, said Xi, adding that China supports Cambodia's efforts in maintaining stability, developing independently and improving people's livelihoods.

China is ready to work with Cambodia to maintain high-level contact, enhance party-to-party exchanges and share governance experiences, said the president.

He said China will enhance support for Cambodia in infrastructure construction, such as irrigation and water conservancy facilities, roads and bridges.

China will also expand the scale of project assistance and concessional loans to Cambodia, he noted.

The two sides have decided to establish an intergovernmental coordinating committee to carry out the action plan on the China-Cambodia comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation and push forward bilateral cooperation in all fields, said Xi.

Xi also said China will work with Cambodia to advance China's relations with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) along the right path.

He said China values its strategic partnership with the ASEAN and hopes to strengthen solidarity and mutual trust with ASEAN nations.

He called on the two sides to deepen regional cooperation, properly resolve relevant problems through dialogue and consultation and jointly promote regional stability and prosperity.

Hun Sen expressed thanks for China's long-term support for Cambodia.

He said Cambodia is committed to national stability and development and hopes to enhance its comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation with China.

"This is Cambodia's political choice," said Hun Sen, adding that Cambodia will continue to support China on issues concerning its core interests and major concerns.

Cambodia is willing to play a positive role in maintaining the healthy development of ASEAN-China relations, he added.

After the forum, Hun Sen will head to Beijing for an official visit on Monday.