Prime Minister Hun Manet departed Cambodia on the morning of September 14 for his first official visit to China, where he is slated to attend the 20th China-ASEAN Expo and meet with other leaders.

During the September 14-17 visit, Manet will pay a courtesy call on Chinese President Xi Jinping and meet for talks with other top officials.

Government spokesman Pen Bona explained that Manet’s second overseas mission is one of geopolitical importance for Cambodia. He explained that China is the world’s second-largest economy, as well as the Kingdom’s biggest development partner.

“The visit demonstrates the excellent relations between the two nations, which is based on friendship, equality, mutual respect and interests, and non-interference,” he said.

“The prime minister’s visit to China does not mean Cambodia ignores other countries. The government is pleased to be friends with all nations, no matter whether they are big or small, rich or poor. As a sovereign state, Cambodia expects the same position from other countries,” he added.

Bona noted that many countries have ties with China which serve their own interests. Cambodia is doing the same, by nurturing bilateral ties for the interests of the nation and the people.