Phnom penh: Cambodia and China held the First Meeting of the 2+2 Strategic Dialogue in Phnom Penh, where they agreed to elevate the mechanism to a 3+3 framework. This decision marks a step toward deepening bilateral cooperation and addressing evolving regional and global challenges.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the meeting was co-chaired by Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister H.E. Prak Sokhonn and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence H.E. Tea Seiha. The Chinese delegation was led by Foreign Minister H.E. Wang Yi and Minister of National Defence H.E. Dong Jun. The inaugural dialogue was hailed as a milestone in Cambodia-China relations, underscoring their commitment to strategic coordination and the development of an all-weather community with a shared future.

The two nations praised the growth of their comprehensive strategic partnership and reaffirmed their 'ironclad friendship,' emphasizing mutual respect, trust, and support for each other's core interests. Cambodia reiterated its support for China's Belt and Road Initiative and the four global initiatives proposed by President Xi Jinping on development, security, civilization, and governance.

During the talks, discussions covered political, security, economic, regional, and international issues. Both sides stressed the importance of high-level exchanges, institutional ties, and coordination among ministries and agencies. A significant outcome was the decision to upgrade the dialogue to a 3+3 mechanism, including Cambodia's Ministry of Interior and China's Ministry of Public Security, reflecting evolving cooperation and the changing global environment.

Cambodia and China agreed to enhance cooperation in traditional and emerging sectors such as digital transformation, green development, blue economy, connectivity, resilient supply chains, financial cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges. They also committed to advancing frameworks like the Diamond Cooperation Framework, the Industrial and Technological Corridor, and the Fish and Rice Corridor, aiming for mutually beneficial outcomes.

The two sides remain dedicated to strengthening their comprehensive strategic partnership, contributing to the prosperity of both nations and fostering peace, stability, and development in the region and beyond.