PHNOM PENH — China and Cambodia agreed on April 28 to boost their pragmatic cooperation within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative.

At meetings with Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni and Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen, State Councilor Yang Jiechi said China appreciated Cambodia’s cooperation with China under the Belt and Road Initiative.

China is look forward to the upcoming visit by Prime Minister Hun Sen to Beijing for the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in May, said Yang.

The Chinese side is ready to dovetail the Belt and Road Initiative with Cambodia’s development strategy, he said, adding that China supports its companies in participating in Cambodia’s inter-connectivity projects, such as highways, airports and ports.

Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen (R) meets with visiting State Councilor Yang Jiechi in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on April 28, 2017.[Photo/Xinhua]

The Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road initiative, known as the Belt and Road Initiative, was proposed by China in 2013 with the aim of building a trade, investment and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa, along the ancient trade routes.

Calling Cambodia and China close friends, King Sihamoni said he and the Royal Family are willing to inherit the traditional friendship between Cambodia and China, and push forward development of bilateral ties.

Prime Minister Hun Sen said he expects his China visit to elevate the Cambodia-China cooperation to a new high.

He said the Belt and Road Initiative, which is of great historic significance, will further promote regional connectivity and integration.