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| King Norodom Sihamoni is currently in China for the first Conference on Dialogue of Asian Civilisations in Beijing. AFP |
Khuon Narim / Khmer Times, May 16, 2019
King Norodom Sihamoni has praised China for promoting the exchange of cultures and understanding during its first Conference on Dialogue of Asian Civilisations in Beijing on Tuesday.
On Tuesday, the King met Chinese President Xi Jinping during the CDAC and thanked the people of China for fostering deeper relations with the royal family, Royal du Cambodge’s said in a Facebook post.
King Sihamoni noted that the CDAC was initiated by Mr Xi and that it played an important role in cultural exchange and promotion of understanding among countries.
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“The Cambodian people will firmly stand with the people of China in all circumstances,” the King said in the post. “Cambodia wishes to congratulate the People’s Republic of China for 70 years of achievements so far, and also praise its influence in international affairs and fully support the Belt and Road Initiative.”
King Sihamoni also praised Mr Xi for helping developing countries through his Community Destiny initiative.
He noted that the Belt and Road Forum last month demonstrated unity for the betterment of the Belt and Road Initiative, before praising the CDAC once again.
“I’d like to conclude by highlighting good results from the first Asian Civilisation Forum that will efficiently contribute in pushing good relations among the nations in Asia by promoting cooperation and peace,” King Sihamoni said.
Mr Xi said ties with Cambodia have shown that both countries fostered a genuine friendship.
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“China will continue to support Cambodia in pursuing the development path suited to its own national conditions, and work with Cambodia to push their comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation to a new level,” he said.
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| King Norodom Sihamoni joins a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. AFP |
Kin Phea, director-general of the International Relations Institute at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, said Asia’s civilisations are diverse and colourful.
“The dialogue and exchanges between different civilisations are very important to explore Asian values, and will lay a solid foundation for regional and global peace and human progress,” Mr Phea said.
Mr Phea said learning about each other’s civilisations is imperative for all people.
“Peace can only be consolidated through peaceful coexistence, which cannot be achieved without dialogue between civilisations,” Mr Phea said. “Civilisation is the main pillar that can support mankind.”
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Regarding the BRI, Mr Phea said Cambodia is one of BRI’s staunchest supporters due to economic opportunities.
He noted that China is Cambodia’s top foreign investor, and that it has become a major donor and important trading partner.
“China has invested in many large projects in Cambodia,” Mr Phea said. “BRI has a positive impact on the Cambodian economic growth.”