At the invitation of Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni, Chinese President Xi Jinping paid a state visit to Cambodia on October 13-14. During the trip, Xi met with King Sihamoni and visited Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk. He held talks with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and witnessed the signing of bilateral cooperation documents.

This visit is expected to strengthen the traditional friendship between both nations and open a new era in the China-Cambodia comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. The two countries have signed more than 30 cooperation documents to enhance cooperation in various fields.The visit will promote China-Cambodia economic and trade cooperation under the framework of the Belt and Road initiative, boosting an alignment of the initiative and Rectangular Strategy for Cambodian National Development that benefits the peoples of both nations. President Xi's state visit to Cambodia is deemed as an historic milestone in the history of Sino-Cambodian diplomatic ties. that would deepen political trust. China and Cambodia will emerge as highly trusted friends, loyal partners and a community of shared destiny for generations to come, serving as a new model for states' equal treatment and sincere cooperation in the international community.

By Zhang Maorong, researcher with the China Institute of Contemporary International Relations; cartoon drawing by Chi Ying