During the talks, Hun Sen highly appreciated the smooth development of the Cambodia-China relationship in recent years, and expressed gratitude to the Chinese government for its long-standing support and assistance to Cambodia, especially the assistance in Cambodia's peace, national reconciliation as well as the economic development.

He said the cooperation between Cambodia and China have resulted in great benefits for both countries, such as the bridge steel offered by China, which was warmly welcomed by the Cambodian people.

Hun Sen reaffirmed that Cambodia will continue to strengthen and develop friendly relations with China, which he said are one of the priorities of Cambodia's external policies.

Li highly praised the achievements that Cambodia has scored in recent years in political stability, continuous development of the economy and the improvement of its position on international stage.

He added that the new leadership of China will continue its consistent foreign policy toward its neighbors, and is ready to make good neighbors, good partners and good friends with neighboring countries.

The two men agreed to make greater efforts to strengthen the economic and trade relationship between two countries.

Before his meeting with Hun Sen, Li held talks with his Cambodian counterpart Hor Namhong. Both sides had in-depth exchanges of views on matters concerning bilateral ties, the upcoming ASEAN annual meetings, as well as regional and international issues of common interest.

Li said that China appreciates Cambodia's active role in promoting regional cooperation.

Li arrived here Sunday for a three-day visit to Cambodia and to attend a series of ASEAN annual meetings including the ASEAN plus three Foreign Ministers' meeting, the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), the ASEAN Post Ministerial Conference (PMC) and the ASEAN-China (10+1) Dialogue, which will be held here from June 17 to June 19.

(Xinhua News Agency June 16, 2003)