King Norodom Sihamoni inaugurated a new building for the Council of Ministers on Tuesday, thanking China for a reported $50 million contribution.
The “Friendship Building” will house the Council of Ministers, which administers executive work as the prime minister's cabinet, although the prime minister and his advisers will work in a separate building.
“I profoundly thank the government of People's Republic of China and those who are architects and engineers that provided funds and helped to build a very good Friendship Building for the Council of Ministers,” Norodom Sihamoni said.
The king recently returned from China on Oct. 10, following a two-week visit, where he took part in the Shanghai World Expo. His father, former king Norodom Sihanouk, remains in Beijing for health reasons.
“China has constantly provided Cambodia in all domains,” Norodom Sihamoni said Tuesday.
Chinese Ambassador Pang Guang Xue said China would “continue its assistance” to “a good friend, a good neighbor, good brothers and sisters, and good partners.”
Cambodia has maintained a close relationship with China for decades, including military and political support. China recently provided several rounds of military equipment shipments, including one of military trucks after the US suspended a similar package for human rights concerns.