President Xi Jinping met with Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen on Wednesday.

President Xi noted that as the government and people of China are battling the novel coronavirus outbreak, Cambodia has shown that a friend in need is a friend indeed. At this trying time, the Cambodian people are standing with the Chinese people. King Norodom Sihamoni and Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk have offered sympathies and support. Prime Minister Hun Sen not only has spoken up for China on multiple occasions, but also is visiting China today. All this is testament to the unbreakable friendship and deep trust between the two countries. It also demonstrates solidarity through thick and thin, a defining feature of the China-Cambodia community with a shared future. China deeply appreciates Cambodia's friendship and support.

Xi stressed that out of a strong sense of responsibility toward its own citizens and the international community, the CPC and the Chinese government have taken the most thorough and rigorous measures possible to fight the outbreak. These efforts are producing results. As a nation that has been through many trials and tribulations, China has full confidence, capability and determination to win the battle against the outbreak.

Xi said that China will work more closely with Cambodia and other countries in the spirit of openness and transparency to respond collectively and effectively to the epidemic and uphold public health security in the region and beyond. China will take good care of all Cambodian nationals (including students) in China like its own, and protect their life and health.

Hun Sen said his decision to visit China at such short notice is for no other purpose than to demonstrate the strong support of the Cambodian government and people for the Chinese government and people. In this trying time for China, the Cambodian people stand firmly with the Chinese people to tide over the difficulties together, just as any true "hard-core friend" would do. He thanked China for caring for and protecting the lives and health of Cambodian nationals in China, and expressed the hope to boost their confidence with his visit.

Hun Sen noted that some countries have taken restrictive measures that are unhelpful and not warranted by the epidemic. The only thing more fearful than the epidemic is panic. Cambodia will continue its scheduled cooperation and exchanges with China, and remains committed to working with China for a Cambodia-China community with a shared future.