PHNOM PENH, July 28 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Embassy in Cambodia hosted a reception on Friday evening to mark the 90th anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army of China (PLA) which falls on Aug. 1.
The event was attended by Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Gen. Tea Banh and Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Xiong Bo as well as some 350 guests including Cambodian government officials, senior military officers, politicians and foreign diplomats.
In his welcoming speech, Colonel Li Ningya, military attaché of the Chinese Embassy to Cambodia, said for 90 years, under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, the PLA had achieved great achievements in defending national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the people of China as well as in contributing to maintaining world peace and security.
China had sent the most peacekeepers among the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, he said, adding that the PLA played an important role in escorting in the Aden Gulf and anti-piracy.
Meanwhile, he highly spoke of excellent relations and cooperation between China and Cambodia in defense sector, adding that China would continue to work closely with Cambodia to further advance the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership of Cooperation.
"The PLA is willing to work hand-in-hand with the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces to tackle various security challenges, and to make new contributions to world peace and common development," he said.
Major General Phat Vibolsopheak, director of Cambodian Defense Ministry's International Relations Department, praised the PLA for having firmly defended the nation, served the people of China, and contributed to maintaining world peace and security.
He also expressed his sincere thanks to the Chinese government, the PLA and the people of China for their continuous support to the development of Cambodia and the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces.
"This is the testimony of comprehensive and fruitful cooperation between the governments, armies, and peoples of both countries," he said.
