China's Wen Jiabao visits Queen Mother, King, Hun Sen

China's Wen Jiabao visits Queen Mother, King, Hun Sen

PHNOM PENH (Cambodia Herald) - Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao visited Queen Mother Monineath and King Norodom Sihamoni in Beijing on Monday evening following the death of King Father Norodom Sihanouk.

Xinhua News Agency said Wen expressed his condolences during the visit and also met with Prime Minister Hun Sen, who arrived from Phnom Penh with the king earlier Monday.

The report said Wen "spoke highly of Sihanouk's life, noting that the Cambodian King Father has made unremitting efforts and remarkable contribution to Cambodia's national independence and peaceful development."

Wen was quoted as saying that Sihanouk had "devoted himself to promoting the friendship between Chinese and Cambodian people, and he himself was a great friend with the Chinese people."

The Chinese premier said he "personally had forged a deep friendship with Sihanouk and would always cherish memories of the Cambodian King Father," the report said.

"He also expressed his sympathy to the Queen Mother Monineath and King Sihamoni, saying China will always welcome the Queen Mother as it has done in the past."

In the meeting with Hun Sen, the Chinese premier said Sihanouk's death was "a great loss to Cambodia and China also lost a great friend."

Wen also noted that that "China and Cambodia have forged a profound traditional friendship that has stood the test of history.

"China is willing to make joint efforts with the Cambodian side to promote a comprehensive and strategic partnership to score new progress in a bid to benefit the two peoples and maintain regional peace, stability and prosperity."

Hun Sen reportedly thanked China for its long-term aid and support for Cambodia, noting that bilateral relations have been an "exemplar" for international relations.

"Cambodia will work closer with China to push forward bilateral ties to a higher level," he reportedly said.