Chinese premier to pay Cambodia official visit

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (left) and his Cambodian counterpart Hun Sen attend the opening session of the Asia-Europe Meeting Summit in Mongolia on July 15 2016. AFP

Chinese Premier Le Keqiang – the No. 2 politician in the Chinese government – will visit Phnom Penh for an official visit next week.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Chum Sounry confirmed the leader will attend the second Mekong Lancang Cooperation Leaders’ Meeting next Wednesday and pay an official visit the next day.

The three-day summit comes at a time when Cambodia’s relationship with China is at an all-time high, as the Kingdom pivots away from its traditional pro-democracy Western partners in favour of Beijing’s no-strings-attached financial aid.

China, already Cambodia’s top foreign donor, has also publicly supported Cambodia’s crackdown on the opposition and independent political voices.

Keqiang will be accompanied by businesspeople looking for investment opportunities in Cambodia.

Contact author: Daphne Chen

MOST VIEWED

Tensions high ahead of historic Kun Khmer match up
The long-awaited November 5 matchup between Kun Khmer legend Prum Samnang and Myanmar-Canadian boxer Dave Leduc has become the most anticipated fight of the year. The Wurkz Sena Kun Khmer promotion, which will be held at the Town Arena at Chip Mong 271 Megamall, will see six
Manet: Cambodia safe for travel
Prime Minister Hun Manet acknowledged that Cambodia and China have cooperated to tackle internet scamming, fraud and other cross border crimes, but insisted that the “Kingdom of Wonders” is completely peaceful and safe. He welcomed tourists to come and explore its rich heritage. During a
Kep selected for ‘world-class’ 2.7km beach development
Kep province has been selected as the first site of a new coastal development initiative, with a “world-class” 2.7km beach planned for the near future. The Kep Provincial Administration met with the National Committee for Coastal Management and Development to discuss the development of the
UNESCO formally list Battambang gastronomy
Battambang, renowned for its cultural heritage, has achieved a significant milestone as the first Cambodian municipality to join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN). The UCCN unites nearly 300 cities prioritising creativity and cultural industries in local development plans and international cooperation. On World Cities Day,
Angkor causeway symbol of Cambodia-Japan ties
In a historic moment marking another milestone in the 70-year-long diplomatic relations between Cambodia and Japan, King Norodom Sihamoni celebrated the formal inauguration of a causeway located to the west of the world-renowned Angkor Wat. While presiding over the November 4 ceremony, the King emphasised the
Cambodia pivots to solar, wind energy
Cambodia is planning a move towards solar and wind energy to meet its rising power demands, according to Minister of Mines and Energy Keo Rottanak. On the sidelines of the Singapore International Energy Week event held recently, Rottanak emphasised the urgency of diversifying Cambodia’s