“Beautiful Cambodia, Beautiful China” Photo Exhibition Opens in Siem Reap

The “Beautiful Cambodia, Beautiful China” photo exhibition tour commenced in Siem Reap, Cambodia, on September 8, 2024. Guided by the China International Communications Group (CICG), the Cambodian Ministry of Tourism, and the Chinese Embassy in Cambodia, the opening ceremony was jointly hosted by the CICG Center for Europe and Asia (China Pictorial Publications) and ASEAN Top News, with support from the Siem Reap Provincial Government.

More than 150 government officials, business representatives, think-tank scholars, and media representatives from both China and Cambodia attended the opening ceremony, including Du Zhanyuan, President of CICG; Sok Soken, Cambodian Minister of Tourism; Wang Wenbin, Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia; and Dy Rado, Deputy Governor of Siem Reap. Jiang Yonggang, President of the CICG Center for Europe and Asia (China Pictorial Publications), presided over the opening ceremony.

In his speech, Du Zhanyuan emphasized that Chinese and Khmer civilizations have engaged in exchanges and mutual learning for nearly two millennia. Today, under the guidance of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind and the principles of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness, China and Cambodia continue to nurture their traditional friendship and deepen cooperation in various fields such as culture, tourism, healthcare, and education. CICG will continue to strengthen cooperation with various Cambodian institutions and individuals, deepen cultural exchanges and mutual learning between the two nations, and contribute further to the high-quality, high-level, and high-standard development of the China-Cambodia community with a shared future.

Wang Wenbin highlighted that this photo exhibition showcases the beauty of China and Cambodia, serving as a true reflection of the coexistence, equal dialogue, and mutual appreciation of Chinese and Khmer civilizations. Against the backdrop of a tumultuous international situation with conflicts and contradictions, China is willing to work with Cambodia to promote the Global Civilization Initiative, upholding the principles of equality, mutual learning, dialogue and inclusiveness among civilizations. All parties should let cultural exchanges transcend estrangement, mutual learning transcend clashes, and coexistence transcend feelings of superiority, contributing to the advancement of human civilization and the maintenance of world peace and development.

Dy Rado said that Cambodia and China have established a comprehensive strategic partnership and strengthened their ironclad friendship. Siem Reap has cultivated strong ties with 30 provinces and cities in China, resulting in continuous and significant developments. This photo exhibition offers a valuable opportunity to showcase the natural beauty, economic achievements, cultural heritage, and rich tourism resources of both China and Cambodia. These efforts contribute to fostering a favorable climate of peace, stability, friendship, and enduring harmony, while promoting sustainable development and shared prosperity, and addressing key economic, social, and environmental challenges.

Sok Soken pointed out that this photo exhibition showcased the concerted efforts made by China and Cambodia to deepen their ironclad friendship, build a Cambodia-China community with a shared future in the new era, and establish the Diamond Hexagon cooperation framework. China and Cambodia have long been close friends that always help and support each other. In recent years, the growth in Chinese tourists has significantly boosted Cambodia’s tourism industry and generated numerous investment opportunities across various sectors. Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism is ready to work with all parties to organize cultural exchange activities to attract international visitors, especially Chinese tourists and investors, providing vital support for Cambodia’s long-term development.

The year 2024 marks the 66th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Cambodia and is also the China-Cambodia People-to-People Exchange Year. Themed on “New Era for China-Cambodia Community with a Shared Future,” the “Beautiful Cambodia, Beautiful China” photo exhibition displays 66 images highlighting the natural beauty, economic development, cultural heritage, tourism resources, and cityscapes of both countries. The event aims to promote cultural exchange and mutual learning and further strengthen economic and cultural ties between China and Cambodia. From September to December, the photo exhibition will also be held in cities including Phnom Penh, Dunhuang, and Qingdao.