China, Cambodia pledge to further promote partnership

PHNOM PENH, Sept. 11 -- Senior Communist Party of China (CPC) official Liu Yunshan and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen met here Wednesday and agreed to further advance the two countries' comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

China is a friendly neighbor and faithful partner of Cambodia, said Liu, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee.

"China will firmly stick to a friendly Cambodia policy, and continue supporting Cambodia's efforts to promote national unity, social stability, economic development and the people's welfare," he added.

Liu, who arrived here Wednesday for an official visit at the invitation of the ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) and the Funcinpec Party, congratulated Hun Sen, who is also vice president of the CPP, on the party's victory in the recent general election.

According to the Cambodian National Election Committee's final results of the July election, the CPP gained 68 seats while the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party took the remaining 55 seats.

Noting that Cambodia has made great progress on the development path it has chosen in line with its own conditions, Liu said China will continue to provide assistance for Cambodia's development.

Liu lauded the current momentum in the development of bilateral relations, and expressed China's gratitude for Cambodia's firm support on issues involving China's core interests.

Beijing, he added, is ready to work with Cambodia to maintain high-level visits, enhance economic cooperation, expand cultural and people-to-people exchanges, and step up communication and coordination on major international affairs.

The relationship between the ruling parties is an important part of the bilateral ties, Liu said, adding that he looks forward to more exchanges between the CPC and the CPP about experience of party management and national governance.

Hun Sen, for his part, noted that Cambodian and Chinese leaders have met many times this year, which marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of the bilateral diplomatic ties.

China is a real friend with which Cambodia can share weal and woe, he said, adding that the Cambodian people will not forget China's selfless assistance for Cambodia's economic development and firm support for its efforts to safeguard national sovereignty and political independence.