A documentary film titled The History Timeline of China-Cambodia Friendship premiered in Phnom Penh on Wednesday, aiming at further deepening cultural and people-to-people ties between the two countries, officials said.

Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Yim Chhay Ly (2nd R), Ling Li (2nd L), deputy director general of the external promotion bureau of China's State Council Information Office, and other guests attend a inauguration ceremony of a documentary film titled The History Timeline of China-Cambodia Friendship in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Jan. 23, 2019. [Photo/Xinhua]

The film was jointly produced by the China Intercontinental Communication Center (CICC) and the National Television of Cambodia (TVK).

The 80-minute film, dubbed into Khmer and Chinese languages, was divided into two episodes, depicting the history timeline of China-Cambodia relations as well as the present and the future of the relations.

Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Yim Chhay Ly said the Cambodia-China friendship dates back to more than 2,000 years ago, and the two countries formally forged diplomatic ties in 1958.

He said the film was aimed at telling younger generations the excellent ties between the two countries, which have existed since ancient times, have continued to the present, and would continue growing stronger in the future.

"I believe that the documentary will contribute to further deepening our people-to-people relations towards building a community of common destiny between Cambodia and China," he said in a speech during the film inauguration ceremony.

Ling Li, deputy director general of the external promotion bureau of China's State Council Information Office, said the film reflected the profoundly traditional friendship between China and Cambodia, and the increasingly close cooperation between the two countries.

"It shows that no matter it's the past, present or future, the Chinese and Cambodian peoples have worked together and will continue to work together to build a community of common destiny and to bring a better life for both sides," he said.

According to Ling, from Wednesday, the film will be premiered on Cambodia's TVK and China Central Television, as well as new media platforms.

"I'm confident that the documentary will gain support from the audiences of the two countries," he said.

Zuo Wenxing, political counselor of the Chinese embassy to Cambodia, said "I hope that the documentary will contribute to further enhancing the traditional friendship between Cambodia and China."

At the event, the film was screened, attracting an audience of about 200.