Chinese President Jiang Zemin and Premier Zhu Rongji on Friday expressed sympathy with the Cambodian people for the flooding in the country.

In a message to King Norodom Sihanouk, Jiang said: "I learned that your country has been hit by torrential rains and the Mekong River is overflowing, causing fatalities and severe material damage.

"On behalf of the Chinese people, I express my heartfelt sympathy with Your Majesty and the Cambodian people."

Jiang said he believes that under the leadership of King Sihanouk and the Cambodian government, the Cambodian people will definitely overcome the difficulties and rebuild their homes.

"I learned that torrential rains have hit many provinces of your country, causing heavy fatalities and severe economic damage as crops were flooded and traffic facilities were destroyed," Zhu said in a message to his Cambodian counterpart, Hun Sen.

"On behalf of the Chinese government and people, I extend my sincere sympathy to your government and the disaster-stricken people.

"I am confident that your people will definitely overcome the disasters and rebuild their homes as soon as possible."

(People's Daily 09/15/2000)