China has always attached importance to its traditional good-neighborly friendship and cooperation with Cambodia, and will work with Cambodia to boost the development of bilateral relations in the new century.
Li Peng, chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC), made the remark here Thursday afternoon in a meeting with Cambodian King Norodom Sihanouk and Queen Monineath who are here for physical check-ups and a rest.
Li said there is a deep traditional friendship between China and Cambodia and their peoples, and the bilateral friendship initiated by Sihanouk and Chinese leaders of the older generation have stood the test of world changes and shown strong vitality.
In the past few years, leaders of the two countries have maintained constant contacts, the two sides have furthered exchanges and cooperation in various fields, and they have supported and cooperated with each other in international and regional affairs.
Li expressed satisfaction with the overall development of Sino- Cambodian relations and appreciation for Sihanouk's outstanding contributions to the development of bilateral ties in the past decades.
Li also recalled his visit to Cambodia in May last year, and voiced thanks for the warm reception he received during the visit.
Li said he was pleased with the achievements made by the Cambodian government and people, under the leadership of Sihanouk, in safeguarding the country's stability, promoting national economic growth and conducting foreign exchanges.
Sihanouk pointed to the firmly-based friendship between the two countries and their peoples, and appreciated China's support and assistance in Cambodia's struggle for national independence and reconstruction.
He spoke highly of China's accomplishment in economic and social development.
Li conveyed Chinese President Jiang Zemin's greetings to Sihanouk, who voiced appreciation and asked Li to pass on his regards to Jiang in return.
Li and Sihanouk also exchanged views on the current international and regional situations.
Li said that China, as a responsible country, supports the world's multi-polarization, takes part in economic globalization, concentrates on enhancing good-neighborly friendship with neighboring countries, and strives to safeguard the rational rights and interests of developing countries.
Sihanouk praised China's important role in international and regional affairs and expressed belief that China would make greater contributions to world peace and development.
(Xinhua News Agency January 25, 2002)
