Chinese President Xi Jinping's recent state visit to Cambodia has solidified the already strong ties between the two nations, marking a new era of cooperation and shared prosperity. The visit, which concluded on Friday, April 18, 2025, saw both countries agreeing to build an all-weather China-Cambodia community with a shared future. This commitment underscores the deep-rooted friendship and mutual support that have long characterized the relationship between China and Cambodia.

During his visit, President Xi held meetings with key Cambodian leaders, including King Norodom Sihamoni, Cambodian People's Party President and Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen, Prime Minister Hun Manet, and Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk. These discussions paved the way for the exchange of over 30 bilateral cooperation documents, spanning various fields such as production and supply chain cooperation, artificial intelligence, development assistance, customs inspection and quarantine, health, and media.

In a signed article published in Cambodian media outlets, President Xi emphasized the importance of promoting steady and sustained progress in building the China-Cambodia community with a shared future. He called on both sides to strengthen unity and cooperation, and to accelerate the implementation of the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative. This vision reflects a shared commitment to addressing global challenges and promoting peace, stability, and development.

President Xi's emphasis on friendship was a recurring theme throughout his visit. He fondly recalled the historic legacy of good-neighborly relations between China and Cambodia, highlighting the friendly exchange that spans two millennia. He also acknowledged the mutual commitment to friendship and righteousness, forged by the elder generations of leaders from both countries. This enduring friendship was further underscored by the presentation of the National Order of Independence - Grand Collar to President Xi by King Norodom Sihamoni, symbolizing Cambodia's high regard for the relationship between the two nations.

Economic cooperation remains a cornerstone of the China-Cambodia partnership. China has been Cambodia's largest trading partner and top source of investment for many years, with industrial and supply chain cooperation continuing to deepen. The entry into force of both the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and the China-Cambodia Free Trade Agreement has further strengthened the foundation for bilateral trade and investment. These agreements have facilitated the entry of premium Cambodian agricultural products into the Chinese market, benefiting both countries.

Looking ahead, President Xi has urged both sides to expand mutually beneficial cooperation of higher quality, sharing opportunities and seeking common development. He called for the vigorous promotion of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and the continuous enrichment of the "Diamond Hexagon" cooperation framework. This will inject new impetus into their respective modernization efforts, fostering greater economic prosperity and shared progress.

Amidst rising uncertainty in the international landscape, President Xi emphasized the importance of multilateralism and the rejection of unilateralism and hegemonism. He noted the unstoppable trend toward a multipolar world, economic globalization, and cultural diversity. By working together, China and Cambodia can contribute to safeguarding world peace and stability, and to promoting international fairness and justice.

In addition to strengthening bilateral ties, Cambodia's tourism sector has also seen positive developments. During the three-day traditional New Year holiday, the country recorded a total of 115,090 foreign tourists traveling across the country. The most attractive destinations included Phnom Penh, Pailin, Banteay Meanchey, Siem Reap, and Preah Sihanouk. The influx of tourists reflects the growing popularity of Cambodia as a travel destination and the success of efforts to promote tourism.

Overall, President Xi Jinping's state visit to Cambodia has reaffirmed the strong and enduring friendship between the two nations. The agreements reached and the commitments made during the visit will further deepen cooperation across various fields, paving the way for a shared future of peace, prosperity, and development.