The relations between Cambodia and China date back at least to the 13th century, and diplomatic relations between the two countries were officially established on July 19, 1958. Despite their long diplomatic history, the relations between two countries grew close after Cambodia gained its independence from France in 1953 and later on. In April 2006 Cambodia and China agreed to raise their bilateral relations to a comprehensive partnership of cooperation. In December 2010, the two countries upgraded their bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation.
Now the relations between the two countries are at the best stage and highest level ever, and they are more comprehensive and strategic ones. Both countries are at different stages of development and have complement for each other; their political relationship at the highest level is excellent, and both countries are politically stable and peaceful.
Even though the healthy relations between the two countries have remarkably flourished over the years, the regular academic dialogue platforms serving as a meeting center to consolidate a culture of dialogue and learning within Cambodia and China and frank discussion on the Cambodia-China cooperation and its latest directions as well as developments, have been very occasional.
In this sense, in order to contribute in enhancement of mutual understanding through correct mutual perception for the strengthening and developing of long-term bonds of friendship and cooperation between Cambodia and China, and to contribute in the effort of the two governments in strengthening and developing closer political, economic and socio-cultural cooperation, and people-to-people contacts between the two people and two countries, the International Relations Institute of Cambodia (IRIC) of Royal Academy of Cambodia (RAC) in cooperation with and funded by the National Institute for Global Strategy (NIGS) of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), will organize the First Annual Cambodia-China Cooperation Forum with the theme of “Cambodia-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership toward the Community of a Shared Future: We Grow Together” on 6-8 December 2019 in Historical and Cultural City of Siem Reap of the Kingdom of Cambodia.
This Forum aims to inform relevant stakeholders on the evolution and development of Cambodia-China relations and cooperation by focusing on achievements, challenges and opportunities for political, economic and socio-cultural cooperation and connectivity, and what its next moves. Moreover, there is a need to uphold further frank dialogues on the Cambodia-China cooperation and its latest directions as well as developments, so that any misunderstandings and confusions among concerned actors would be able to be reduced, and some consensus steps would be able to be in place in an attempt to further improve bilateral cooperation, peace, harmony and prosperity in the two countries and in the region.
We have invited 89 people (26 from China, 6 from ASEAN, and 57 from Cambodia) from academic circle, think tanks, universities, government institutions, and Cambodia and Chinese media institutions, with different backgrounds and positions, to attend this forum and exchange knowledge and ideas on Cambodia-China cooperation aspects.
The forum will comprise of five sessions including Opening Session, Plenary Session 1: Cambodia-China Political and Security Cooperation, Plenary Session 2: Cambodia-China Economic Cooperation, Plenary Session 3: Cambodia-China Socio-Cultural Cooperation and Connectivity and Closing session (for detailed program, please click on this link).
