China, Cambodia vow to cement time-honored friendship

President Xi Jinping arrives for a state visit to Cambodia in Phnom Penh October 13, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

PHNOM PENH - Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday met with Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni at Cambodian Royal Palace, vowing to carry forward the traditional friendship between the two countries.

During their meeting, Xi spoke highly of the traditional friendship between China and Cambodia.

The comprehensive strategic partnership for cooperation of the two countries has seen strong development in recent years and has brought tangible benefits to the two peoples, Xi said.

China values its special friendship with the Cambodian royal family and attaches great importance to the development of its relations with the Southeast Asian nation, said the Chinese president.

China is willing to work with Cambodia to faithfully promote bilateral friendship and deepen all-round cooperation so as to achieve common development and prosperity, he said, adding that China will always be a good partner and friend.

For his part, King Sihamoni welcomed Xi's visit and appreciated the profound friendship of the Chinese government and people towards Cambodian royal family as well as their great support to the country's economic and social development.

The king said Cambodia is satisfied with the results of bilateral cooperation in such areas as politics, economy and people-to-people exchanges.

He believed that Xi's visit will further enhance bilateral ties and render their cooperation even more fruitful.

Cambodia is ready to work with China to carry forward the traditional friendship and ensure that the relationship will get better, said King Sihamoni.

Before their talks, Xi, accompanied by the King, attended a red-carpet ceremony and inspected the guards of honor.

After the meeting, Xi laid a wreath at the statue of King Father Norodom Sihanouk in the company of Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk.

Xi arrived at Phnom Penh Thursday noon for a state visit to Cambodia. It is his first trip to the Southeast Asian nation as president. In 2009, he paid an official visit to the kingdom as vice president.