PHNOM PENH: Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni and Chinese President Xi Jinping exchanged pleasantries on the occasion of the 65th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the two countries.

In a letter addressed to China’s president on July 12, the King lauded the long-standing friendship, which began under his father’s reign, when King Norodom Sihanouk developed close ties with Mao Zedong, of whom he was a big fan. Later generations maintained this bond, becoming “Comprehensive Strategic Partners in Cooperation” in 2010 and “A Community with a Shared Future” in 2019. The King acknowledged the achievements made in Cambodia as a result of their “Diamond Cooperation” which has seen exponential growth in the Kingdom as a result of Chinese investment, especially in the development of China’s “Belt and Road Initiative” which develops infrastructure in surrounding countries. The King said he would continue to uphold the One-China policy, which claims Taiwan as an inalienable part of China.

In a response on July 19, President Xi Jinping congratulated King Norodom Sihamoni on continuing his father’s legacy in maintaining a strong relationship with China. He referred to their meeting earlier this year, during which he said they entered a new era of “high quality, high level and high standard” in developing their shared future. He ended the letter wishing Cambodia prosperity and its people, happiness.