Chinese government Thursday donated 6 patrol vessels to Cambodia to help it strengthen marine security.

More than 300 people attended the hand-over ceremony at the Port of Sihanoukville, about 230 km southwest of capital Phnom Penh.

Em Sam An, Secretary of State of Interior Ministry, and Chinese Economic and Commercial Counselor to Cambodia Sun Weiren presided over the ceremony.

Em Sam An highly valued the Chinese donation of the patrol vessels, saying that the donation again demonstrated the traditional friendship between Cambodia and China.

He said that he firmly believed that the patrol vessels will play an important role in Cambodia's fighting of pirates and smugglers and will further strengthen Cambodia's social stability and territorial security, as well as the economic development.

Expressed his thanks for China's persistent assistance, Em said, "The traditional friendship between our two countries has stood the test of time, and has been developed and consolidated in recent years."

"The assistance offered by the Chinese government, such as telecommunication equipment, cars, motorcycles and fire engine, has already played an important role in strengthening Cambodia's public security and safeguarding the security of people and property," Em added.

Sun Weiren hopes the police of the two countries to further enhance cooperation and support in various fields.

He said that the Chinese government would like to strengthen the cooperation with Cambodia in the fields including agriculture, human resources development and infrastructure, and would encourage more Chinese companies to invest in Cambodia.

Source: Xinhua