On July 19, 2008, Chinese President Hu Jintao exchanged congratulatory messages with Cambodia's King Norodom Sihamoni to mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

In his message, Hu said the friendly relations between China and Cambodia, which were forged and cultivated by the leaders of the two countries based on the five principles of peaceful coexistence, have withstood the test of the changing international environment and domestic situation and developed healthily and steadily since the two countries established diplomatic ties 50 years ago. The people of the two countries have supported each other all along in safeguarding national independence and sovereignty and promoting peace and development and established a profound friendship, he said. The Chinese president called China-Cambodia ties a good example of sincere cooperation on an equal footing between countries with different social systems. In the new century, the friendly relations between the two countries have witnessed new progress. The establishment of a partnership of all-round cooperation has injected new vitality into bilateral ties, which show broad prospect for development, he said. The Chinese government and people cherish very much the friendship with Cambodia, Hu said, adding that in the new historic starting point, China is ready to work with the Cambodian government and people to enhance friendly exchanges, expand mutually beneficial cooperation and promote common development, so as to bring China-Cambodia friendship and all-round cooperation to a new level.

Sihamoni said in his message that, over the past 50 years, Cambodia-China ties have been profoundly strengthened and expanded day by day. With the cultivation and care of former Cambodian King Norodom Sihanouk and generations of outstanding Chinese leaderships, the people of Cambodia and China have worked together to make "significant progress" in promoting economic, trade and cultural cooperation between the two countries, the king said. He expressed belief that the common development of Cambodia and China will widen the scope of bilateral cooperation, thus keeping closer friendly exchanges between the two peoples. The commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties this year will foster a close friendship and dynamic cooperation between our nations, the king said.