Premier Li Keqiang encouraged Chinese enterprises to participate in the construction and operation of Cambodia’s infrastructure during his meeting with the visiting Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen in Beijing on Jan 22.

After a welcoming ceremony, they discussed bilateral relations and witnessed the signing of a number of cooperation deals.

Premier Li said that he hopes the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative can help advance Cambodia’s own development plan.

Beijing wants to improve the livelihoods of all Cambodians, Premier Li also said, adding he encourages more Chinese enterprises to invest in the Southeast Asian country.

He expressed the hope to jointly build projects such as the Sihanouk Special Economic Zone, promote China-Cambodia Year of Culture and Tourism, and enhance coordination within multilateral mechanisms such as China-ASEAN and Lancang-Mekong cooperation.

Hun Sen congratulated the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the People’s Republic of China and spoke highly of the great achievements China has made over the past 40 years since the reform and opening-up.

The Cambodian prime minister said that Cambodia is looking for deeper cooperation with China, especially in areas such as infrastructure, trade, agriculture, and people-to-people exchanges.

Cambodia will continuously boost cooperation with China in international and regional affairs, Hun Sen added, noting the comprehensive strategic partnership will achieve greater development.