Backgrounder: Basic facts about Cambodia
PHNOM PENH, March 30 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao began a four-day state visit to Cambodia on Friday at the invitation of Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni. The visit is seen as a milestone in bilateral relations.
Leaders of China and Cambodia had forged deep friendships between them even before the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1958.
Over the years, China has been actively advocating the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, and it was on this basis that the friendly relationship between the two countries has been built up, and it has withstood the test of time.
In the second half of the 20th century, Cambodia suffered poverty and was economically backward. As a close neighbor, China made enormous efforts to help Cambodia in restoring peace and regaining independence as well as in its reconstruction and economic development.
In the 21st century, bilateral relations have shown a good momentum of development, marked by increased high-level contacts and exchanges.
In April 2006, when Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao visited Cambodia, the two sides issued a Joint Communique establishing a "comprehensive partnership of cooperation."
In December 2010, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen held talks with Wen in Beijing and the two sides agreed to upgrade their relationship to a "comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation."
In the spirit of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, China and Cambodia have been maintaining communication and coordination in international and regional affairs.
As a trusted friend of China, Cambodia firmly adheres to the one-China policy and supports China on Tibet-related issues. It has also played a positive role in promoting ASEAN-China cooperation in recent years.
In recent years, economic and trade cooperation and people-to-people exchanges between China and Cambodia have grown rapidly. Many Chinese enterprises have actively participated in the economic development in Cambodia, in the spheres of infrastructure, irrigation systems and special economic zones.
Two-way trade increased from 200 million-plus U.S. dollars in 2000 to nearly 2.5 billion U.S. dollars last year, and China has been the largest source of foreign investment in Cambodia for years in a row.
Chinese Ambassador Pan Guangxue has said that the sincere cooperation between the two countries had brought tangible benefits to both peoples.
During Hu's stay in Cambodia, the two sides will issue a Joint Statement and sign a series of economic and trade cooperation documents.
People have every reason to believe Hu's visit will bring the bilateral relationship to a new height and open a new chapter in efforts to further deepen the strategic partnership between the two countries and promote stability and prosperity in the region at large.
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Chinese president starts visit to Cambodia
PHNOM PENH, March 30 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao arrived here Friday, kicking off a state visit aimed at enhancing the comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation between China and Cambodia.
During the visit, Hu will meet Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni, Senate President Chea Sim, National Assembly President Heng Samrin, and Prime Minister Hun Sen. Full story
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