Chairman Li Peng of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) of China and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen discussed in Phmon Penh Saturday ways to enhance Sino-Cambodian ties and exchanged views on international issues.
Li, who arrived in Phmon Penh Friday for a four-day official goodwill visit, has already met King Norodom Sinhanouk and Cambodia's parliament leaders.
Hun Sen said that Li's visit demonstrated the unity, friendship, and cooperation between Cambodia and China, and between the two peoples.
Li's visit is significant for promoting friendly cooperative relations between the two countries, he added.
The Cambodian prime minister expressed his hope that more Chinese businessmen would invest in Cambodia and the two sides would expand cooperation in all fields.
In reply, Li said that China would study Hun's proposal and increase contacts and cooperation between the two countries.
China will always support Cambodia's independent policy, its efforts for consolidation of national reconciliation and its efforts for economic development, the Chinese leader said.
Li said that China stands for multi-polarity, and would develop good relations with all countries in the world, and with its neighbors in particular, under the Five Principles of Peaceful Co- existence.
He also expressed his appreciation for the adherence to the One-China policy by the Cambodian government.
Earlier in the day, Li met Cambodian Senate President Chea Sim and the two sides agreed to increase contacts and expand cooperation between China's National People's Congress (NPC) and the Cambodian parliament.
During the meeting, Li said that it is China's set policy to develop closer and stable relations with Cambodia.
Exchange of visits by Chinese and Cambodian parliament leaders and other officials is an important part of bilateral relations, said Li.
Chea said that Li's current visit would further promote the existing friendship and cooperation between the two parliaments as well as the two countries.
The Cambodian people have suffered from the war for decades, he said, but fortunately, under the leadership of King Norodom Sihanouk, the Cambodian parliament, together with the government, are consolidating peace, achieving national reconciliation, and stepping up economic development.
Cambodia is the first leg of Li's three-nation tour, which will also take him to Brunei and South Korea after the visit to Phnom Penh.
(Xinhua 05/20/2001)
