Hong Kong can play a ‘favourable role’ in elevating China-Cambodia ties: Chinese envoy

“We believe that the chief executive’s visit to Cambodia will definitely promote mutually beneficial cooperation between Cambodia and Hong Kong, and will also play a favourable role in further promoting the China-Cambodia relations,” Wen said in a reception held at his official residence.

China’s relationship with Cambodia remains one of the closest in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean). There are no territorial disputes between the two countries, and Phnom Penh is heavily dependent on Chinese trade and investment.

The veteran diplomat said the day also marked a “particularly meaningful moment” because Lee arrived in Phnom Penh merely hours after the departure of Leung Chun-ying, the city’s former chief executive and now vice-chairman of China’s top political advisory body.

Leung, also a founder of the GX Foundation, was in the country to commemorate the elimination of cataract blindness backlog cases in the Prey Veng province through the NGO’s efforts, and sign new projects on eye surgeries and dengue prevention.

“[The back to back visits] show that Hong Kong attaches great importance to fostering friendly cooperation with Cambodia and promoting China-Cambodia relations,” Wen told the city leader.

Lee expressed gratitude to the ambassador’s support in his visit to Cambodia, adding that the government’s role was to “open the doors” and lay the friendly foundations to facilitate Hong Kong businesses’ entry into the country.

The chief executive later paid a visit to Canadia Integrated Group, which owns the country’s largest bank, Canadia Bank. He will also speak at a dinner event attended by local business representatives.

Lee was expected to meet the Cambodia leadership and attend a lunch on Wednesday before proceeding to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. He will return to Hong Kong on Friday.