AKP Phnom Penh, April 18, 2025 --

Dr. Sok Touch, President of the Royal Academy of Cambodia, has highlighted the crucial role of growing people-to-people exchanges in strengthening the enduring friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership between Cambodia and China.

His remarks came during the launching ceremony of the programme “Classical Quotes Favored by Mr. Xi Jinping” in Phnom Penh on April 17 afternoon.

Dr. Sok Touch emphasised the deep historical roots of Cambodia-China relations, citing ancient temple carvings as evidence of early interactions between the two nations. He noted that the modern relationship has reached unprecedented levels of depth and comprehensiveness.

The Royal Academy of Cambodia, as a leading national think tank, is actively contributing to this strengthening of ties by facilitating dialogue and exchange as part of broader people-to-people engagement. Dr. Sok Touch expressed his strong belief that the newly launched programme, featuring insights into Chinese culture and philosophy through President Xi Jinping's classical quotes, will significantly enhance mutual understanding, particularly among the general public and academic researchers.

He also underscored President Xi Jinping's emphasis on youth exchanges, recognising the younger generation as vital to the future of Cambodia-China relations. Dr. Sok Touch reported a significant increase in Cambodian youth learning the Chinese language and embracing Chinese culture, exemplified by the Confucius Institute at the Royal Academy of Cambodia enrolling over 130,000 students in the past 15 years.

The Royal Academy of Cambodia reaffirmed its commitment to expanding cultural exchange efforts with Chinese institutions, aiming to create more opportunities for interaction and build even stronger and more resilient ties between the two nations. Dr. Sok Touch stated that these efforts would contribute to a new chapter in their long-standing friendship.

The launching ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials from both Cambodia and China, including H.E. Neth Pheaktra, Minister of Information; H.E. Shen Haixiong, Deputy Head of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China and President and Editor-In-Chief of China Media Group; H.E. Dr. Phoeurng Sackona, Minister of Culture and Fine Arts; and H.E. Huot Hak, Minister of Tourism.

By K. Rithy Reak