BEIJING, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen sent congratulatory messages on the launch of the China-Cambodia culture and tourism year 2019 in Phnom Penh on Wednesday, expressing hope for strengthening the bilateral friendship and ties.

In his message, Li said that China and Cambodia, both boasting a long history, rich culture and beautiful scenery, are good neighbors, friends, partners and brothers and enjoy a long-standing friendship. There are wall paintings in Cambodia's famed Angkor Archeological Park depicting friendly exchanges between the two peoples more than 1,000 years ago.

Li said the China-Cambodia culture and tourism year is an opportunity for the two sides to promote cultural and people-to-people exchanges, so as to foster a solid ground for building a community with a shared future together.

For his part, Hun Sen said the long-standing friendship between Cambodia and China remains unshakable with closer and fruitful cooperation.

He added that the launch of the culture and tourism year benefits the bilateral friendly cooperation under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative toward a win-win end, as well as the development of tourism in the two countries.