Jiang called King Sihanouk "an old friend of the Chinese people", who has devoted himself to the Sino-Cambodian friendship, adding that the Chinese side highly praises his efforts.

Offering congratulations for President Jiang's successful attendance at the just-concluded United Nations Millennium Summit, the king recalled his friendship with the Chinese leadership of elder generations.

Jiang said, China highly values its friendship with Cambodia, established and fostered by the king and the Chinese leadership of elder generations, and is willing to work with Cambodia to consolidate and develop their friendship, therefore, such a friendship between the two countries and peoples will develop throughout generations.

He also spoke highly of Sihanouk's contributions to peace and stability in Cambodia, and said that at present, Cambodia, under the leadership of King Sihanouk, enjoys political stability and economic development, a growing living standard and remarkable progress in external exchanges.

China is convinced that the Cambodian people will certainly attain even more achievements in the course of national development, he added.

Sihanouk said that the Cambodian people are looking forward to Chinese President Jiang Zemin's state visit to Cambodia in November this year, and that he himself and the Cambodian government will do their utmost to ensure the complete success of the landmark visit.

(Xinhua)