PHNOM PENH - Visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao and Cambodian Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk discussed the friendly relationship between China and Cambodia in a phone conversation Friday.

Monineath, who is accompanying her husband, King Father Norodom Sihanouk, in Beijing, expressed gratitude to Hu for sending State Councilor Dai Bingguo to visit them during their stay in Beijing.

Speaking in Chinese, she wished Hu's visit to her country a great success.

Hu conveyed his cordial greetings and sincere thanks to Sihanouk and Monineath.

"Upon setting foot on the soil of Cambodia, I have received a warm reception from the Royal Family, the Cambodian government and the Cambodian people. I am deeply impressed by the deep-rooted friendship between the two peoples," Hu said.

The China-Cambodia relationship had developed smoothly in recent years and cooperation in various areas between the two countries had always yielded results, Hu said.

The president highly appreciated the special contribution made by Sihanouk to promoting bilateral ties, saying the current sound relationship was a result of joint efforts by the King Father and Chinese leaders as well as the endeavors by the two peoples.

He said he believed his visit would bring the bilateral ties to a higher level.

Hu arrived in Phnom Pehn Friday for a state visit aimed at enhancing the comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation between the two countries.