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Ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to Cambodia, Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Xiong Bo shared his thoughts with CCTV.

He gave an overall review of China-Cambodia relations, and believes that President Xi's visit will start a new era for the two countries to improve their comprehensive strategic partnership. 

This is the first time President Xi Jinping will visit Cambodia since he took office as China's top leader. The Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia, Xiong Bo, believes that this visit has great significance for the two countries' bilateral ties.

Xiong said, "In terms of the bilateral relation, it is the fourth time that a Chinese president pays a state visit to Cambodia, since the two countries established diplomatic relations."

"It will be a milestone in the history of friendly exchanges between China and Cambodia. It will start a new era for the two countries to improve their comprehensive and strategic partnership."

Ambassador Xiong pointed out that the most distinguishing feature of China-Cambodia relations is their traditional friendship. The Cambodian royal family, especially the King-Father Norodom Sihanouk, has established strong bonds with the older generations of the Chinese leaderships, such as Premier Zhou Enlai. The sincere friendship is widely known in both countries.

"Following his ousting in 1970, King-Father Norodom Sihanouk took up residence in Beijing, where he was still treated as the head of Cambodia. He has lived in China for 18 years. China, is his second home," said Xiong.

Ambassador Xiong says the peoples of the two countries are deeply touched by this kind of profound relationship, which will contribute to the cooperation between the two countries.

Xiong said, "I think Cambodia has entered a crucial period of economic development. After 20 years of rapid development and accumulation, Cambodia has braced for economic take-off."

"Besides its own efforts, it also needs outside assistance. China can play an important role. Chinese enterprises have unique advantages in infrastructure construction. The two sides have great cooperative potential."

According to Ambassador Xiong, China's direct investment in Cambodia accumulated to more than 12 billion US dollars by June of this year.

The two sides are speeding up to integrate China's One Belt One Road initiative with the "Quadrangle Strategy" of Cambodia. China and Cambodia are set to sign relevant agreements and documents in the upcoming visit.