PHNOM PENH, June 13 -- Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen and Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Bu Jianguo on Monday inaugurated here the (21st Century) Maritime Silk Road Research Center, aiming to further broaden Sino-Cambodian relations and cooperation.

"The 21st Century Maritime Silk Road initiative, along with the Silk Road Economic Belt, is a wise initiative of the Chinese leaders in the new generation," the prime minister said during the inauguration ceremony.

To back the initiative, China has established the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the Silk Road Fund.

"With the initiative, we have two additional sources of capital -- AIIB and Silk Road Fund -- to invest in connectivity and integration among countries along the Maritime Silk Road," Hun Sen said.

"So, it's good for us."

Established by the Department of International Studies of the Royal University of Phnom Penh, the Maritime Silk Road Research Centre would conduct comprehensive study and research on the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, said Education Minister Hang Chuon Naron.

"The center will closely cooperate with countries along the Maritime Silk Road, especially with China, which has a long history in the field of Maritime Silk Road," he said.

The minister said that the center is supported by the Chinese Embassy to Cambodia.