CPPCC Chairman Meets Cambodian Senate President

Chairman Li Ruihuan of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) said Monday that the friendship between China and Cambodia, which is deeply rooted in the hearts of the two peoples, enjoys strong vitality and broad prospects.

Li made this remark during a meeting with Cambodian Senate President Chea Sim, who arrived in Beijing earlier Monday for a four-day visit at Li's invitation.

Extending a warm welcome to Chea Sim, Li said China and Cambodia are close neighbors with a long history of friendly contact and since the founding of new China, bilateral ties have withstood various tests.

The friendship between the two countries was fostered by leaders of the elder generation of both countries, he said. In recent years, under the care of President Jiang Zemin and King Norodom Sihanouk, high-level contacts have been frequent and good development momentum has been maintained in bilateral relations, he noted.

Li expressed gratification for the support to China on issues like Taiwan, Tibet and human rights by King Sihanouk and the Cambodian government, saying China is willing to further boost cooperation in all fields through joint efforts.

Voicing gladness over the great achievements made by Cambodia in its peace and reconstruction cause, Li said so long as the people unite as one and exert concerted efforts, more achievements would be registered.

Li also pointed out the CPPCC and the Cambodian Senate both play an important role in the political life of their respective countries, and their friendship would stimulate overall cooperation in all fields.

Chea Sim agreed with Li on his assessment over bilateral ties, adding such a friendship should be further developed. He thanked the Chinese Communist Party and the Chinese government for the consistent support to Cambodia's efforts in realizing peace and national unity, and developing economy. He expressed the hope that economic cooperation would be reinforced so as to further accelerate bilateral friendship.






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