Chinese state councilor visits former Cambodian king Chinese State Councilor Dai Bingguo (2nd L) visits former King of Cambodia Norod...

Chinese state councilor visits former Cambodian king

Chinese State Councilor Dai Bingguo (2nd L) visits former King of Cambodia Norodom Sihanouk (3rd L) and his wife Norodom Monineath (3rd R) on the occasion of the Cambodian New Year, in Beijing, capital of China, April 16, 2012. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)

BEIJING, April 16 (Xinhua) -- While Cambodians were celebrating their New Year 2012, Chinese State Councilor Dai Bingguo, on behalf of President Hu Jintao, Monday visited former King of Cambodia Norodom Sihanouk and his wife, former Queen Norodom Monineath, in Beijing.

Conveying to them the cordial greetings of President Hu and his wife, Dai said Hu's state visit to Cambodia from March 30 to April 2 met with a warm reception from the Cambodian Royal Family, government and people, which reflected the deep traditional friendship between the two peoples.

China greatly appreciated the special contributions made by Sihanouk and the royal family in promoting bilateral ties and was ready to work with Cambodia to advance the ties along the route established by Sihanouk and the older generation of Chinese leaders, Dai said.

Sihanouk said he was glad to see the success of President Hu's visit to Cambodia, noting that the Cambodian people had a special camaraderie with the Chinese people.

He thanked China for its long-term support and help for his country, and expressed his wishes that the countries' friendship would be successfully passed from generation to generation and that the bilateral friendship would develop positively.

Chinese State Councilor Dai Bingguo (R) visits former King of Cambodia Norodom Sihanouk (L) on the occasion of the Cambodian New Year, in Beijing, capital of China, April 16, 2012. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)

Chinese State Councilor Dai Bingguo (R) visits former King of Cambodia Norodom Sihanouk (L Front) and his wife Norodom Monineath (L Back) on the occasion of the Cambodian New Year, in Beijing, capital of China, April 16, 2012. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)