The new Cambodian king Norodom Sihamoni on Wednesday made his first inspection tour of the countryside, meeting with some 5,000 people in the poor province of Kompong Speu, 44 km west of Phnom Penh.

Arriving at the gathering site, local people flocked to welcome the new king and touched his hands.

King Sihamoni, who ascended to the throne on Oct. 29, less than a month after his father abdicated, said he was happy to meet faceto face with the people.

"I'm very pleased to meet all of you today. I am proud to learn things achieved in this province," King Sihamoni said, adding he would tour other cities and provinces in the weeks and months ahead.

After the speech, the king delivered hundreds of kits of blankets, scarves, mosquito nets and small amount of cash to the poor and the victims of floods and draughts.

About 80 percent of the country's 13 million population are farmers in the countryside.

"I am proud that I have the opportunity to see the face of King Norodom Sihamoni. It is a rare chance," said a 67-year-old villager. "The new king is good because he takes his interest with the poor."

Source: Xinhua