BEIJING: Hun Manet, the prime minister of Cambodia, met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday( Sept 15 ) in an effort to strengthen the close ties his father, Nun Sen, had established with Beijing.
For nearly 40 years, Hun Sen ruled Cambodia with an iron fist before transferring the position of prime minister to his brother in August.
Under his rule, Cambodia grew to be one of Beijing’s most powerful friends in Southeast Asia, receiving sizable Chinese investment.
According to a display of his conference with Hun Manet from state broadcaster CCTV, Xi said on Friday at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People that he had made” traditional contributions to the cause of Sino-Cambodian connection” and urged him to explore China frequently.
Hun Manet’s attend, according to Xi, may help strengthen ties between the two nations” in a deeper and more practical way.”
One of Hun Manet’s second trips abroad since taking office was to China.
His representative Meas Sophorn told the media at Phnom Penh International Airport that he is also anticipated to speak with Premier Li Qiang and Zhao Leji, the head of the Standing Committee of China’s major legislation system.
Hun Manet may then visit Nanning in the south to attend the 20th ASEAN-China Expo.
The defense ministry of China announced on Thursday that joint military exercises with Cambodia would take place this month in an effort to improve health cooperation.
Hun Sen has made it clear that he intends to exert influence after the prime minister steps down, scotching the idea that Cambodia had change course under his brother despite fully handing over the position.