Premier Li Keqiang and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen vowed more cooperation between the two neighboring countries during their meeting in Ulaanbaatar on July 15. Both leaders are attending the ASEM summit in Mongolia.

Premier Li said the friendship between China and Cambodia has a long history. China sees the Sino-Cambodian relationship as a significant part of its neighboring diplomacy. Having mutual political trust, both sides support each other’s major concerns.

He vowed to fully use the two countries’ mutual political trust and economic complementary advantages, maintain high-level communication and strengthen cooperation in many fields, including trade, investment, agriculture products processing, water conservation, infrastructure construction, cultural exchanges and education. He also said the government will encourage more people, especially young people, to travel to the tropical country.

Hun Sen said Cambodia and China are close friends and comprehensive strategic partners. Cambodia sees the relationship with China as a priority in its foreign policy, and would spare no effort to boost Sino-Cambodian cooperation.

While talking about South China Sea, Premier Li said that Cambodia has taken a just stance regarding the arbitration established at the request of the Philippines, defended international law, regional order and stability, and protected the Sino-ASEAN relationship. Along with ASEAN, China is firmly dedicated to resolving disputes through direct negotiations with related countries and to maintaining peace, stability and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.

Hun Sen said that Cambodia will continue to hold an objective and just stance on this issue, supporting negotiations among countries involved to resolve problems. Cambodia would like to work with all parties to maintain the ongoing friendship between China and ASEAN.