Chinese premier meets top Cambodian legislators to reinforce bilateral ties

Visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Saturday met with Cambodian National Assembly President Heng Samrin and Senate President Chea Sim, vowing to reinforce relations between the two countries.

Wen said China was willing to work together with Cambodia to strengthen friendship and cooperation between the two sides and to seek mutual development.

Wen pointed out that exchanges between the two countries' legislatures and parties constituted an important part of the bilateral relations.

The Chinese premier expressed his appreciation to the Cambodian National Assembly and Senate for their great efforts made to promote the development of the Sino-Cambodian ties.

China's National People's Congress (NPC) and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) are willing to cooperate closely with the Cambodian National Assembly and Senate, Wen said.

Wen thanked the Cambodian legislative bodies for their firm support for China's reunification as they have adhered to the one-China policy for years.

Heng Samrin and Chea Sim said that the two countries have maintained close and friendly relations, adding that the Cambodian people cherished the traditional friendship with China and appreciated the support and help provided by the Chinese side.

They said the Cambodian National Assembly and Senate would firmly support the development of relations with China and China's great cause of national reunification, adding they were willing to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with China's NPC and CPPCC, so as to make more contributions to closer bilateral ties.

Earlier in the day, Wen laid a wreath at the monument of Cambodian independence.

Wen returned to Beijing Saturday evening after official visits to Australia, Fiji, New Zealand and Cambodia from April 1 to 8.

During the tour, Wen attended the opening ceremony of the first China-Pacific Island Countries Economic Development and Cooperation Forum held in Fiji.

He met with leaders of those countries and pledged that China would enhance economic ties with them.

Source: Xinhua