PHNOM PENH — Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen met in Phnom Penh on Oct 12 with visiting State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and both sides pledged to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in all areas.

Wang said that as "an old friend" and "a true friend" of Chinese leaders and people, Hun Sen's visit to Beijing in February amid China's efforts to fight the COVID-19 outbreak composed an important chapter of China-Cambodia friendly cooperation.

Wang said that choosing Cambodia as the first leg of his Southeast Asia tour reflected not only the traditional mutual support, but also the momentum of building a community with a shared future between the two countries.

China firmly supports Cambodia in taking a development path suited to its own national conditions, safeguarding national sovereignty and dignity, and pursuing its own domestic and external policies, said Wang, adding that China is willing to work with Cambodia to address challenges in post-pandemic era and further enhance bilateral cooperation in all areas.

He also commended the Cambodian government for containing COVID-19 effectively and its contribution to the global cooperation in fighting the pandemic. Cambodia has safeguarded common interests of developing countries and upheld basic norms governing international relations, demonstrating the humanitarian spirit of "small country with big heart" and the strength of "small country with big diplomacy," he said.

China will stand firmly with Cambodia no matter what happens in the international situation, said Wang.

Hun Sen said Wang's visit highlighted the deepening comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation between Cambodia and China. As true good friends, the two sides have always supported and helped each other, he said, adding that Cambodia highly appreciates China's help in battling the coronavirus disease and promoting socio-economic development in Cambodia.

The Cambodian prime minister said China's success in containing COVID-19 sets a model for the global fight against the pandemic. Cambodia is committed to strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation with China, and will continue to firmly support China on issues concerning its core interests, he said, adding that Phnom Penh stands ready to work with Beijing to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in all areas.

Hun Sen said Cambodia will continue to safeguard regional and global peace and stability, and oppose power politics and bullying.

Both sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues of common concern and witnessed the signing ceremony of China-Cambodia free trade agreement.

Wang concluded his two-day official visit to Cambodia on the afternoon of Oct 12. Cambodia is the first leg of his five-nation tour, which will also take him to Malaysia, Laos and Thailand, with a transit visit in Singapore.

During his stay in Cambodia, Wang also met with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn as well as Deputy Prime Minister Hor Namhong.