Top Chinese political advisor brings condolence of 1.3 bln Chinese to Cambodian leaders over Sihanouk's death

PHNOM PENH, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, on Monday conveyed the grief of the 1.3 billion Chinese people to Cambodian leaders over the death of the King Father Norodom Sihanouk.

Speaking during a meeting with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on Monday at the Peace Palace, Jia said that his presence here was to bring a deep sympathy from the Communist Party of China, the Chinese government and the 1.3 billion people of China to the royal family, the government of Cambodia and Cambodian people on the occasion that Cambodia prepares to cremate the late King Father Norodom Sihanouk.

He recalled that the Sino-Cambodian friendship relation was established by the King Father Norodom Sihanouk and former Chinese leaders, adding that the relation is a "dignified asset" for China.

"China will continue maintaining this friendship relation and comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation with Cambodia for next generations," he said.

Meanwhile, Hun Sen thanked Jia and his delegation for participation in the royal cremation ceremony for the late King Father Norodom Sihanouk, which will be held on Monday evening.

The prime minister also pledged to continue to strengthen and expand the bilateral ties between Cambodia and China in order to comply with the wish of the late King Father.

On Monday morning, Jia also met with Sihanouk's wife Queen Mother Norodom Monineath and his son King Norodom Sihamoni at the capital's Royal Palace. He also extended a deep sympathy to them over the passing-away of the late King Father.

Jia arrived here on Sunday for a two-day visit to attend the cremation ceremony of late King Father.

"The visit of Jia Qinglin is a testament to prove excellent and strong relationship and cooperation between China and Cambodia, " Prince Norodom Ranariddh, the eldest son of Sihanouk and former prime minister of Cambodia, told Xinhua on Saturday.

Sihanouk ruled Cambodia from 1941 to 1955 and again from 1993 until his voluntary abdication on October 7, 2004 in favor of his son, the current King Norodom Sihamoni. He died naturally and peacefully at the age of 90 in China's capital of Beijing on October 15, last year. The late monarch suffered from various forms of cancer, diabetes and hypertension and had been treated by Chinese doctors in Beijing for years before his death.

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