BEIJING (EAC News) — Cambodia’s King Norodom Sihamoni and Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk met with Chinese President Xi Jinping and First Lady Peng Liyuan on Sunday in Beijing.

The meeting took place amid ongoing efforts to deepen bilateral ties between China and Cambodia. On social media, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning shared a photo of the leaders together, noting the significance of the meeting.

Mao said the gathering underscored the two nations’ commitment to building a “China-Cambodia community with a shared future” in the new era, emphasizing cooperation to overcome obstacles and benefit their peoples.

“President Xi Jinping and Madame Peng Liyuan met with Cambodia’s King Norodom Sihamoni and Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk,” Mao wrote. “It is important for China and Cambodia to stand more firmly together, overcome disruptions, and accelerate the building of an all-weather friendship that brings greater benefits to both countries.”

The royal visit coincided with the King and Queen Mother’s trip to Beijing for health check-ups, beginning Sunday. During the King’s absence, Samdech Hun Sen, Cambodia’s Senate president and chairman of the Supreme Council of the Monarchy, will serve as acting head of state.

The visit highlights ongoing diplomatic cooperation between Cambodia and China, which has grown in recent years, particularly in economic and infrastructure development.