Zhao Meiling Attends China-Cambodia Friendship Carnival
From December 14 to 16, 2025, the “Silk Road, Heart to Heart” China-Cambodia Friendship Exchange Event was successfully held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Co-hosted by the China Foundation for Peace and Development （CFPD）and the Youth Home for Cambodia-China Friendship（YHCCF） , the event gathered a host of distinguished guests.
Hun Mani, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Civil Service, Sosoken, Cambodian Minister of Supervision and Vice Chairman of the YHCCF, Wang Wenbin, Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia, and Wang Heming, Secretary-General of the China Foundation for Peace and Development, attended the opening ceremony and delivered speeches. Over 200 participants were present, including Aisang Ao, Chairman of the Cambodia-China Friendship Association; Sosyara, First Vice Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Cambodian People’s Party Central Committee and Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National Assembly; Chan Nimol, Cambodian Minister of Commerce; Pan Dongfeng and Zhao Meiling, Director of the CFPD; Wang Qi, Deputy Secretary-General of the China Youth Entrepreneurs Association; as well as representatives of outstanding young entrepreneurs and civil organizations from both China and Cambodia.
Deputy Prime Minister Hun Mani pointed out that Cambodia and China support each other and share a common destiny. China has always been Cambodia’s most steadfast supporter and reliable cooperation partner. As China-Cambodia relations continue to forge ahead, the two sides are working together to build a China-Cambodia Community of Shared Future in the New Era featuring an all-weather friendship, setting a model for international bilateral relations.
“Against the backdrop of growing geopolitical uncertainties, it has become increasingly important to jointly safeguard friendship and peace,” he noted. Cambodia will always support the Global Development Initiative, strengthen China-Cambodia political mutual trust, and deepen cooperation in various fields. He expressed confidence that this “Silk Road, Heart to Heart” China-Cambodia friendship exchange event will make positive contributions to promoting regional peace.
Ambassador Wang Wenbin emphasized that the traditional friendship between China and Cambodia has withstood the tests of changing international situations, remaining unbreakable and deeply rooted in the hearts of the two peoples. He stated that this friendly exchange will undoubtedly provide an important platform and inject strong impetus for young people of both countries to enhance mutual understanding and deepen practical cooperation. The Chinese Embassy in Cambodia will continue to provide strong support for deepening exchanges and cooperation among young people of the two countries.
Wang Heming, Secretary-General of the CFPD, stated that the “iron-clad friendship” between China and Cambodia is constantly deepened through people’s livelihood cooperation. Over the past 14 years, the foundation’s flagship projects in Cambodia—such as the China-Cambodia Friendship Poverty Alleviation Demonstration Village, the “Spring of Happiness” program, and the “Silk Road Friends” School—have vividly embodied people-to-people connectivity.
He stressed that the foundation will always uphold its mission as a “messenger of people-to-people friendship,” continue to focus on areas including education, medical and health care, poverty reduction, and cultural exchanges, and build more high-quality platforms for youth exchanges and cooperation, so that more Cambodian people can share in the fruits of development.
Ms. Zhao Meiling, President of the Women Empowerment and Development Society in Asia-Africa, attended the China-Cambodia Non-Governmental Organization Exchange and Dialogue, where she delivered a speech titled “Forging an All-Weather Friendship with Women’s Strength.” She introduced the founding purpose and core values of Women Empowerment and Development Society in Asia-Africa, and shared her experiences and insights in carrying out public welfare activities in Asian and African countries. She emphasized that the cause of women is a great undertaking that requires active participation and dedication from people from all walks of life in various countries, noting that “actions speak louder than words.”
President Zhao also participated in the handover ceremony of office equipment donated to the YHCCF, joined in the joint planting of the China-Cambodia Friendship Tree, and took part in various cultural exchange activities.
The China-Cambodia Friendship Carnival was filled with a joyful atmosphere. Young people and entrepreneurs from both countries recalled their friendship, explored cooperation opportunities, and jointly looked forward to a better future.