Cambodia approves China-Cambodia Consular Convention

PHNOM PENH, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- The Cambodia's government on Friday approved the China-Cambodia Consular Convention aimed to not only improve the two countries' diplomatic ties but also to facilitate the trade flows between the two countries, said the government's release.

"The cabinet meeting agreed and approved a draft agreement on China-Cambodia Consul given gradually increasing of economic, trade, investment and tourism relations between Cambodia and China," said the release.

"This convention is also aimed at protecting the rights and the individual interest of the two peoples," it added.

The government release also said that Cambodia has six consular offices in China.

Cambodia received 2.16 million tourists last year compared with about 2.13 million in 2008, a two percent increase, while 114,894 tourists from China.

China is also the Cambodia's biggest foreign direct investment (FDI), according to the state-run investment agency of the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC).

Bun Rany wishes for better relations between Cambodia, China

PHNOM PENH, July 16 (Xinhua) -- On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Cambodian and China, Bun Rany, president of the Cambodian Red Cross and wife of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said in a recent written interview with the Xinhua News Agency and Chinese-language newspaper the Jian Hua Daily that the bilateral ties will be improved and strengthened.

"I am optimistic that the bilateral ties between Cambodia and China will be improved and strengthened with the background of traditional and historical friendship and cooperation between the two countries," she said.

Especially in the era of globalization, the two countries face common matters related with peace and regional security maintenance, economic development and some other issues like crackdown on cross-border crimes and terrorism, as well as containment of epidemics, natural disasters, climate change and population migration, she said.

"All these things are demanding mutual support and help by sharing spirit, materials, budget, human resources and modern technology," she added.

Meanwhile for the anniversary which falls on July 19, Bun Rany expressed her profound thanks and gratitude to all the party and state leaders and the people of China for the frequent care and help they have given to Cambodia and the Cambodians when there were emergency cases in the kingdom.

"Particularly, China has provided strong help for medical care of former king Norodom Sihanouk and his wife Norodom Monireth," she added.

Cambodia and China established formal diplomatic relations on July 19, 1958. Both sides have staged a series of celebrations for the anniversary.

The Chinese Embassy is scheduled to host a banquet here Friday to mark the special occasion, which Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni himself will attend to highlight the importance and friendliness of bilateral ties.