Comrade Heng Xamrin on kowtow visit to Beijing

Comrade Heng Xamrin (L) with Comrade Wu Bangguo (R) (Photo: AP)

President of Cambodian National Assembly Leaves for China

2011-12-04
Xinhua

Cambodia's President of National Assembly Heng Samrin on Sunday morning led a group of parliamentarians to pay an official goodwill visit to China from Dec. 4-10.

Heng and his party was seen off at the Phnom Penh International Airport by the National Assembly's First Deputy President Nguon Nhel and Second Deputy President Say Chhum, as well as Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Pan Guangxue.

The visit was made at the invitation of Wu Bangguo, chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC), said a press release from the National Assembly.

Open Letter to Wu Bangguo, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress

November 08, 2010

Your Excellency Wu Bangguo

Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress,

People's Republic of China

Dear Mr. Chairman,

On behalf of Khmer people everywhere, please allow me to express our utmost gratitude to the Government and the People of China for their enduring friendship and unconditional supports for Cambodia throughout past difficult years and in present days.

Over the years, China's continuous flow of generous aids to Cambodia's economy and infrastructure have been vital to Cambodia's ongoing progress and development. Thanks to China's steadfast and stalwart friendship, our small and vulnerable nation is able to survive, and grow stronger and more autonomous each day.

Growing number of Khmers at home and abroad wholeheartedly look to China as a, if not the only, dependable and long term strategic partner in the region. The geographical proximity coupled with outstanding historical relationship between our two countries inherently make China Cambodia's most trusted and valuable friend who will continue to share many common and mutual interests for years to come.

In view of reinforcing the strong tight between our two countries into the future, China’s aids to Cambodia should be directed toward long term human resource and rural social development. Particularly, China is in a unique position to put in place government exchange programs whereby Cambodian government officials can exchange their experiences with and learn from Chinese counterparts. China can also assume leading role in sponsoring educational programs for Cambodia’s youth. Last but not least, China participation in social development in the rural such as subsidizing local community schools, cultural centers, mobile medical clinics or local community radio stations will have lasting benefits.

Khmers are trustworthy and loyal people, and we will always remember those who came to our rescue during the trying times. From the bottom of our heart, Your Excellency, please accept our highest respect and utmost gratitude.

Respectfully yours,

SamlengKhmer

(for Khmer People)

China's top legislator leaves Cambodia for Indonesia

PHNOM PENH, Nov. 6 (Xinhua) -- China's top legislator Wu Bangguo ended his four-day official visit to Cambodia and left on Saturday morning for Indonesia.

Wu and his party were seen off at the Phnom Penh International Airport by Nguon Hhel, Cambodia's first deputy president of the National Assembly and Pan Guangxue, Chinese ambassador to Cambodia, as well as other officials.

Wu made his visit at the invitation of Cambodian National Assembly President Heng Samrin. It is the first time in nearly 10 years that a Chinese top legislator has visited the country.

During his stay here, Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, held talks with King Norodom Sihamoni, National Assembly President Heng Samrin and Senate President Chea Sim and Prime Minister Hun Sen.

During the meeting, they exchanged views on issues of further developing the all-round cooperative partnership between the two countries and promoting bilateral cooperation. Meanwhile, Wu also witnessed the signing of some cooperation agreements between the two countries.

Wu and his party will visit Indonesia and Thailand.

China's top legislator highlights sound ties with Cambodia during meeting with King [-Wu Bangguo get to meet the king more often than regular Cambodians?]

PHNOM PENH, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- Top Chinese legislator Wu Bangguo said here Thursday that his three meetings with the Cambodian King this year reflect the sound bilateral ties between the two countries.

"I have met your majesty three times this year, which reflects the high level of bilateral ties and the royal family's special friendship with China," Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, said during a meeting with Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni.

Wu said the Cambodian royal family has long attached high importance to the development of its ties with China and established sound personal relationship, as well as sound working relationship, with Chinese leaders of generations, making outstanding contributions to the development of bilateral ties.

As a good neighbor, friend and partner, China will, as always, support Cambodia's efforts in maintaining national unity, developing economy and improving people's lives, Wu said.

China respects the path Cambodia has chosen based on its realities and thanks Cambodia for its precious support for the issues related to China's core interests, Wu said.

"The purpose of my visit to the country is to enhance traditional friendship, deepen practical cooperation and upgrade legislative communications in a bid to push the all-round cooperative partnership for further development," Wu said.

Recalling his visit to the Shanghai World Expo on Oct. 1, King Norodom Sihamoni extended his warm congratulations to the great success of the Expo.

He said Wu's visit plays a significant role in enhancing and developing China-Cambodia friendship and cooperation.

Cambodia attaches high importance to its ties with China and is willing to further promote bilateral ties, the King said.

Wu arrived here on Wednesday for a 4-day official visit to the Southeast Asian country. Wu's arrival is the first of its kind in nearly 10 years for a Chinese top legislator to visit the country. He will also visit Indonesia and Thailand.

China trade surpasses 2009

Friday, 05 November 2010
May Kunmakara
The Phnom Penh Post

TRADE between Cambodia and China over the first nine months of 2010 has already surpassed the total amout recorded last year, according to figures from the Ministry of Commerce’s Camcontrol department obtained yesterday.

Bilateral trade totalled US$813 million in 2010 to the end of September, a 3 percent rise compared to the whole of 2009, the figures revealed.

The data was released as 16 deals were inked in Phnom Penh between officials and businessmen from the two countries, presided over by Prime Minister Hun Sen and Wu Bangguo, chairman of the standing committee of China’s National Peoples Congress.

One of the deals saw Cambodia’s largest mobile provider, Mobitel secure US$591 million in refinancing, with the Bank of China as lead arranger.

Speaking after the meeting, Kaom Kosal, cabinet chief of Cambodia’s National Assembly, told reporters that China would import more products from Cambodia in the future, as China regarded the Kingdom as a close neighbour.

“[Wu Bangguo] will help Chinese entrepreneurs import more products from Cambodia, especially rice,” he said.

Some government officials said that trade had surged after the China-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement kicked in on January 1 this year, reducing tariffs on many goods.

“The recent China Free Trade Agreement helps to increase imports and exports between the two countries,” said Ministry of Commerce Secretary of State Ok Boung.

There was also increased demand for the Kingdom’s exports in China, as living standards and purchasing power was on the upswing in the People’s Republic, he said.

Cambodia’s exports have “increased because their economy is growing, so they need more imports from us”, he said. “Our economy is also improving, as we can produce more for export.”

Cambodia’s exports to China totaled $37 million in the first nine months, a 157 percent increase on shipments during the whole of 2009, according to statistics.

The Kingdom’s main exports to China include agricultural products, rubber, fish products, timber, and garments and textiles, the statistics show.

Ok Boung said Cambodia normally imported raw garment materials and machinery from the People’s Republic.

“I hope there will be an even larger increase in the future, as the two nations have done a lot of trade deals with each other,” he said.

China's top legislator says to enhance parliament links with Cambodia [-Will China beat Vietnam in terms of influence on Cambodia?]

November 04, 2010
Xinhua

Top Chinese legislator Wu Bangguo said here Thursday that he is aimed at enhancing parliamentary ties between China and Cambodia and elevating the ties to a new high during his visit.

"One of the key purposes of my visit is to strengthen high- level exchanges with Cambodian parliament, broaden friendly communications between various committees, deepen exchanges of experiences in legislature and upgrade parliamentary ties between the two countries to a new high," Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, said during a meeting with Senate Chairman: Chea Sim.

Wu arrived here on Wednesday for a four-day official visit, the first of its kind to the Southeast Asian country by a Chinese top legislator in nearly 10 years.

With joint efforts of the two countries' leaders and the two peoples, the traditional China-Cambodia friendship turns ever stronger as time goes by and cooperation in various fields has blossomed, bringing tangible benefits the two peoples, Wu said.

Deepening and broadening the China-Cambodia all-round cooperative partnership remains China's unswerving policy, he said, adding that China is willing to join efforts with Cambodia to further bilateral friendly exchanges, deepen strategic coordination in multilateral mechanism.

Wu also called for mutual understanding and support for each other's core interests and major issues. For his part, Chea Sim thanked China for its long-time support and assistance to Cambodia, saying Cambodia is ready to further enhance cooperation with China in international affairs.

Wu also held talks with Cambodia's National Assembly President Heng Samrim on Thursday. He is scheduled to hold talks with King Norodom Sihamoni and Prime Minister Hun Sen later in the day.

China, Cambodia Sign $6.4 Bln Deals on Wu's Visit [-Cambodia is now entrenched deep in the Chinese camp, what will Vietnam do?]

2010-11-05
Xinhua

China and Cambodia on Thursday inked 6.4-billion-U.S. dollars deals ranging from infrastructure construction to energy exploration.

A total of 16 deals were signed after the hour-long talks between top Chinese legislator Wu Bangguo and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen late Thursday afternoon.

The package of deals covered such key areas of bilateral cooperation as infrastructure construction, water resources development, telecommunication technology and energy exploration among others.

In earlier talks, Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), the country's top legislature, reviewed the smooth growth of China-Cambodia ties since the two countries forged diplomatic ties in 1958.

"Particularly in recent years, bilateral relations have developed rapidly," Wu said, highlighting strong trust, sincere cooperation and mutual support.

Wu underlined China's commitment to developing ties with Cambodia, labeling the southeast Asian country as a reliable neighbor, friend and brother.

Hun Sen said China's rapid growth benefited the people and helped lift the regional and world economy out of the downturn.

On the economic front, Wu said growing economic cooperation would add continuous momentum to bilateral relations.

Wu proposed the two countries deepen agriculture cooperation, encouraging Chinese businesses to expand agricultural products trade with Cambodia and supporting Cambodia to upgrade its inspection and quarantine capability on agricultural products.

The top legislator called for stronger infrastructure construction cooperation, urging Chinese businesses to play a bigger part in Cambodian transportation, electricity and telecommunications construction.

Wu said Chinese financial institutions would like to provide financial support, calling for both sides to explore new ways of finance.

He also pinned hope on stronger investment and industrial cooperation, appealing for faster construction of a special economic zone at Sihanouk Port, which Chinese businesses got involved in building.

Hun Sen agreed with Wu, saying the two countries should work more closely in agriculture, infrastructure, economic zone construction and resources development.

Hun Sen reaffirmed Cambodia's adherence to the one-China policy, saying Cambodia banned any forces from separating China.

Both Wu and Hun Sen agreed that the international situation was undergoing profound changes, saying the two countries should step up cooperation between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and east Asian cooperation.

Earlier Thursday, Wu also met with Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni and legislative leaders.

Wu arrived in Phnom Penh on Wednesday afternoon. Cambodia is the first leg of Wu's three-nation visit to Southeast Asia, which will also take him to Indonesia and Thailand.

Trade Agreement Expected With Chinese Visit

Through 2010, Cambodia exported $37 million in goods to China—more than double for all of 2009—while importing more than $775 million, according to government figures.

Chun Sakada, VOA Khmer

Phnom Penh Wednesday, 03 November 2010

China’s National Assembly president, Wu Bangguo, arrived in Phnom Penh Wednesday, ready for official talks with Cambodia’s leaders in the wake of a visit for US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Wu, whose first official goodwill visit lasts through Saturday, will meet Prime Minister Hun Sen and other government leaders, as well as King Norodom Sihamoni, to strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries, a government statement said.

Last week, China agreed to donate $700 million to Cambodia for the construction of a railway between Phnom Penh and the Vietnamese border to improve regional trade links.

Wu is expected to sign an additional trade agreement this week. Through 2010, Cambodia exported $37 million in goods to China—more than double for all of 2009—while importing more than $775 million, according to government figures.

China is also a significant investor in Cambodia in garments, textiles, hydropower, agriculture and mining.

China’s fixed asset investment in Cambodia was $930 million in 2009 and $234 million in the first quarter of 2010.

Wu’s visit follows an official stopover by Clinton on Monday, he told a group of students at a meeting the US encouraged Cambodia to grow increased ties with many countries, including China. The US contributes about $70 million per year to Cambodia in aid.

China's top legislator starts visit to Cambodia

Wu Bangguo (R front), chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China, arrives in Phnom Penh for an official visit to Cambodia. (Xinhua/Li Tao)

PHNOM PENH, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- China's top legislator Wu Bangguo arrived here on Wednesday, kicking off his 4-day official visit to the Southeast Asian country.

Wu's arrival is the first of its kind in nearly 10 years for a Chinese top legislator to visit the country.

Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People' s Congress, China's top legislature, is scheduled to hold talks with King Norodom Sihamoni, National Assembly President Heng Samrim, Senate President Chea Sim and Prime Minister Hun Sen, and they will exchange views on issues of further developing the all-round cooperative partnership between the two countries and promoting bilateral cooperation.

The two countries are expected to sign a series of cooperation agreements on economic cooperation and trade during Wu's stay here. Wu's visit is aimed at "enhancing mutual trust, consolidating friendship, deepening cooperation" between the two countries, China's Ambassador to Cambodia Pan Guangxue told Xinhua prior to Wu's arrival.

On economic cooperation, Ambassador Pan said along with the establishment of China-ASEAN Free Trade Area, the China-Cambodian economic and trade cooperation enjoys new and bigger opportunities. Trade volume between the two countries for the first half of this year has topped 627 million U.S. dollars, up 37 percent from the same period last year.

Cambodia is the first stop of Wu's three-nation Southeast Asia tour, which will also bring him to Indonesia and Thailand.

China's Wu Bangguo follows Hillary Clinton footstep

Top Chinese Legislator Departs for Visit to Cambodia, Indonesia, Thailand

2010-11-03
Xinhua

China's top legislator, Wu Bangguo, left Beijing Wednesday for official goodwill visits to Cambodia, Indonesia and Thailand.

Wu is the chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), China's highest legislative body.

The ten-day tour will end Nov. 13.

Wu was invited to visit by President of the Cambodian National Assembly Heng Samrin, Speaker of the House of Representatives of Indonesia Marzuki Alie and President of the National Assembly of Thailand Chai Chidchob.

Wu's entourage includes his wife Zhang Ruizhen and Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of the NPC Standing Committee Li Jianguo.

Top legislator's visit to deepen Sino-Cambodia friendship: Chinese ambassador [-China's response to Hillary Clinton's visit to Cambodia?]

By Zhang Ruiling, Lei Bosong

PHNOM PENH, Nov. 1 (Xinhua) -- China's top legislator Wu Bangguo's official visit to Cambodia is a major diplomatic event and will be sure to promote and deepen the friendly relations and cooperation between China and Cambodia, Chinese ambassador to Cambodia Pan Guangxue told Xinhua in recent interview.

Wu Bangguo, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, will pay a four-day official goodwill visit to Cambodia beginning from Nov. 3 to 6, at the invitation of Heng Samrin, president of the National Assembly of Cambodia.

Pan said that the aim of the visit is to "enhance mutual trust, consolidate friendship, deepen cooperation" between the two countries.

Hailing the traditional friendship fostered by the leaders of the old generation of the two countries, Pan said China and Cambodia have a long history of friendship. Since the establishment of diplomatic relation in 1958, the two countries had maintained political trust and fruitful cooperation, and supported each other in the international and regional affairs. " The friendship between the two countries is increasingly striking root in the hearts of the people," Pan pointed out.

He called China-Cambodia relations "a good example of sincere cooperation between countries with different social systems". Meanwhile, the ambassador commended Cambodia's consistent position to offer firm support to China on those issues that concern China' s major and core interests.

He stressed that "steadily deepening and developing of the comprehensive cooperation partnership of the two countries has been Chinese government's consistent policy."

During Wu's stay in Cambodia, Pan said, he will hold talks with National Assembly President Heng Samrim, and meet with King Norodom Sihamoni, Senate President Chea Sim and Prime Minister Hun Sen, respectively. They will exchange views on the issues of further developing of the all round cooperation partnership and promoting the level of friendship and cooperation of the two countries, as well as the issues of common concern.

Moreover, Pan said that the two countries will also sign a series of cooperation agreements on economy and trade during Wu's visiting.

Pan said in 2010, the Sino-Cambodia kept closer contacts in various fields, and the cooperative effort is remarkable. At the end of April and in early May, Prime Minister Hun Sen attended the opening ceremony of the Shanghai World Expo and held talks with Chinese President Hu Jintao. In early October, King Norodom Sihamoni at the invitation of Chinese side attended the opening ceremony of Chinese Pavilion Day at Shanghai World Expo and has a meeting with top Chinese legislator Wu Bangguo. At the end of October, Heng Samrin, president of Cambodia's National Assembly attended the Western China International Fair (WCIF) in Chengdu, Sichuan province. On the topic of economic cooperation, Ambassador Pan said that along with the establishment of China-ASEAN Free Trade Area, the Sino-Cambodian economics and trade cooperation is facing new and bigger development opportunities. The volume of trade between China and Cambodia in the first half of this year had already reached 627 million U.S. dollars, up 37 percent compared to the same period last year.

He pointed out that after ending nearly 30 years chaos caused by war, Cambodia has entered a peaceful development period which needs a lot of money and technology. While China has accumulated the massive fund, technology and the experience with more than 30 years reform and open policy, so there are huge potentials for the two countries to have the economic complement and mutually beneficial cooperation. China and Cambodia had already signed the SPS (Sanitary and Phytosanitary) agreement recently which will help Cambodia's agricultural product to enter Chinese market.

Pan Guangxue added that Cambodia has the special and advantageous natural resources and the land is fertile. If Cambodia can introduce China's improved crop strains and advanced technology, the output of agricultural product and the quality will be increased and enhanced greatly, moreover, to promote the exports of its rice and fruits to China and other countries and region.

Pan also said that Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and other government leaders highly praised China's assistance and the investment to Cambodia. Recent years, China has provided some economic aids to Cambodia, including loan on favorable terms and so on. According to the Cambodian Government's request, these aids and the investments mainly concentrated in infrastructural facilities, such as roads, bridges, hydroelectricity and others. So far, China has already constructed approximately 1,500 km long road for Cambodia. Pan expressed his belief that these infrastructural facilities will be sure to play important role in strengthening and promoting Cambodia's social and economic development in the future.

Pan said that Cambodian government attached great importance to the forthcoming visit by top Chinese legislator Wu Bangguo, and has prepared it with great care. "I believe that Wu's visit will be complete success and will be certain to further promote the Sino-Cambodian traditional friendly cooperative ties to a new level."

Cambodia will be the first leg of Wu's three-nation tour, which will also take him to Indonesia and Thailand.

Heng Samrin meets Wu Bangguo during kowtow visit to China

August 29, 2007
Chinese top legislator meets Cambodian parliament leader

Wu Bangguo, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress(NPC), met in Beijing on Wednesday with Heng Samrin, president of the Cambodian National Assembly.

Wu said Sino-Cambodian relations have made new progress in the recent years as the two countries maintained frequent exchange of visits and strengthened political trust.

He said Chinese government would like to upgrade the comprehensive and cooperative partnership with Cambodia.

Wu also expressed appreciation for the support of Cambodia on the Taiwan issue and other issues concerning China's sovereignty and core interest.

Heng Samrin reaffirmed Cambodia will always adhere to the one-China policy.

The two leaders agreed to push forward the exchanges between the special committees, working groups of friendship and other organs in the parliaments, and enhance the legislative cooperation.

Wu and Heng Samrin signed a document on cooperation between the NPC and the Cambodian National Assembly after meeting.

Source: Xinhua

Heng Samrin visiting China

Monday, August 27, 2007
Everyday.com.kh
Translated from Khmer by Socheata

Heng Samrin, the National Assembly president, left Phnom Penh on Sunday to perform an official visit in China. The Xinhua Chinese news agency reported that Heng Samrin plans to visit China between 26 and 30 August 2007. Heng Samrin’s visit was made through an invitation from Wu Bangguo, chairman the permanent committee of the Chinese National People’s Congress.