PHNOM PENH - The government of China on Friday agreed to provide office supplies and equipment worth 2.7 million Yuan ($423,000) to Cambodia for hosting ASEAN summit in 2012.

The grant was signed between Cambodian Secretary of State for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Long Visalo and the Ambassador of China to Cambodia Pan Guangxue at the Ministry.

Speaking after the signing ceremony, Long Visalo said the donation would include projectors, projectors' screens, fax machines, computers, photocopiers, printers, scanners, and other office stationeries.

He added that the supplies and equipment will be used for the work of ASEAN meetings that Cambodia will chair in 2012.

"On behalf of the government of Cambodia and Cambodian people, I'd like to express my sincere thanks to the government and the people of China for their constantly supporting Cambodia in all circumstances," he said. "China's help to Cambodia  including grants, loans and investment is very important for Cambodia to boost economic development and poverty reduction."

Meanwhile, Pan Guangxue said that China and Cambodia have maintained friendly and close ties since the old age and the assistance is to relieve Cambodia's burden in hosting the ASEAN summit next year.

"Every Chinese donation to Cambodia comes from the heartfelt generosity of the people and the government of China," he said. " We hope that our assistance will help Cambodia to host the ASEAN summit next year successfully."