PHNOM PENH: While attending the ASEAN Summit in Jakarta last week, Prime Minister Hun Manet received an invitation from Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang to pay an official visit to China, which he graciously accepted. The PM departed from Phnom Penh Airport this morning along with deputy prime ministers, ministers and private business owners to meet with Chinese leaders and businesspeople.

Accompanying the PM on his plane to China are Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sok Chenda Sophea, Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol, who served various roles under his father’s leadership, and one of the richest people in Cambodia, Kith Meng, who is CEO of the Royal Group and President of the Chamber of Commerce.

Prime Minister Hun Manet will lead a delegation to China from September 14-16 to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping, China’s Congressional Chairman Zhao Liji and Chinese PM Li Qiang. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the leaders will exchange views on a number of topics, including building a common destiny of Cambodia and China in the new era by further promoting their “diamond cooperation”, strategic direction for Cambodia-China relations, and regional and international events pertaining to common interests.

Prime Minister Hun Manet will hold bilateral talks with PM Li Qiang on cooperation between the two countries and the two prime ministers will also preside over the signing ceremony of a number of cooperation documents.

After the official state visit, Prime Minister Hun Manet will attend the 20th ASEAN-China Expo on September 16-17, in Nanning.

As Cambodia and China celebrate the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the Year of Friendship, the upcoming visit will further strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.