Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji and his wife Lao An met with Cambodian King Norodom Sihanouk and Queen Norodom Monineath Sihanouk at Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing Monday afternoon.

On behalf of the Chinese Government, Zhu welcomed the Sihanouks, who are in China for medical check-up and a holiday.

"Your majesty is highly respected and admired by the Cambodian people. You also enjoy great fame in your country and in the international arena," Zhu said.

Under Sihanouk's leadership, he said, Cambodia now enjoys political stability and has shown substantial progress in economic construction and foreign affairs. China is delighted to see such successes in its neighboring country, Zhu said.

Zhu also spoke highly of Sihanouk's work to forge a long-term Sino-Cambodian friendship. "Your majesty has deep friendship with three generations of Chinese leaders and has made extraordinary contributions to the consolidation and growth of the traditional good-neighbor relationship between our countries. The Chinese people will not forget your contribution," Zhu said.

On behalf of the entire Cambodian people, Sihanouk extended gratitude for the consistent, sincere and selfless support from the Chinese government and the Chinese people to Cambodian's development course. China's support has played a key role in Cambodia's national independence and territorial integrity, he noted. "We are proud to have a friend such as China," he added.

Zhu also conveyed greeting from Chinese President Jiang Zemin to Sihanouk, who expressed his thanks. He said he believed that the Cambodia-China friendship will continue to deepen in the new century thanks to the concerted efforts of both countries.

"People in our two countries will enjoy friendship for the generations to come," he said.