The Cambodian Senate inaugurated on Monday three new office buildings which were constructed under the $ 7.7 million grant-in-aid from China.
Say Chhum, Acting President of the Cambodian Senate, and Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia, Bu Jianguo presided over the ceremony which was attended by senators and other dignitaries.
In his speech, Say Chhum thanked China's National People's Congress, the Chinese government and people for the support they have been giving generously to Cambodia's development.
He added that the people of Cambodia are very happy with the excellent relationship of cooperation that exists between Cambodia and China. He further said that he sees China playing a bigger role in bilateral and multi-lateral as well as in the regional and international frameworks.
The Cambodian Senate pledges to further improve the long-established friendly relationship and cooperation between Cambodia and China for the benefit of both countries and their peoples, Say Chhum said.
Say Chhum also re-emphasized Cambodia's strong support for the one-China policy.
Ambassador Bu said that the new milestone is a result of the exceptional ties and reciprocity between the governments and legislative bodies of China and Cambodia. She said that China sees Cambodia as a trustworthy brother and friend and that China will continue to help Cambodia in their social and economic development efforts as well as in poverty reduction. In the coming years, China will further strengthen their assistance to Cambodia in politics, economics, trade, agriculture, tourism and culture, the ambassador said.
China was the first country to help the Cambodian Senate when it was established in 1999. China has already given a total of $ 12.5 million in grant-in-aid to the Senate since then. The new buildings signify another accomplishment of the friendly ties and cooperation between the two countries, according to Oum Sarith, Senate Secretary General.