Visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao met Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni in Phnom Penh Saturday to discuss the development of all-round cooperation between China and the Southeast Asian nation.

Visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao met Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni in Phnom Penh Saturday to discuss the development of all-round cooperation between China and the Southeast Asian nation.

 

Hu said the Cambodian royal family has made special contributions to the development of China-Cambodia ties. The half-century friendship between King-Father Norodom Sihanouk and generations of Chinese leaders has remained strong and is becoming even firmer, said Hu.

Carrying on this tradition, King Sihamoni has attached great importance to the development of the friendly and cooperative ties between China and Cambodia, and has made new and important contributions to the promotion of their traditional friendship, Hu said.

China cherishes its traditional friendship with Cambodia, and will make all efforts to push forward the China-Cambodian comprehensive strategic partnership to benefit both peoples.

King Sihamoni said Hu's visit is of historical importance and will certainly promote the traditional friendship between the two countries and achieve fruitful outcomes.

The king said Cambodia has always viewed China as its closest great friend, and the royal family will continue to play a positive role in consolidating and promoting friendly cooperation between the two countries.

President Hu said he was glad to see Cambodia's progress in maintaining political stability, reaching ethnic reconciliation, sustaining economic development and achieving a rise in international status.

He expected Cambodia to gain further achievements under the leadership of King Sihamoni with the joint efforts of the Cambodian government and its people.

Also on Saturday, Hu met Prime Minister Hun Sen and would meet Senate President Chea Sim, and National Assembly President Heng Samrin.

The Chinese president arrived in Cambodia on Friday for a state visit.