At the invitation of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen,
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao arrived here Friday by a special plane for an
official visit to the southeastern Asian country.
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (L) and
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen stand while national anthems are played in
Phnom Penh April 7, 2006. Wen is scheduled to meet King Norodom Sihamoni, visit
Cambodia's Independent Monument and sign bilateral agreements.
[Reuters]
Prime Minister Hun Sen and other senior government officials greeted Premier
Wen at the airport and held a red-carpet welcome ceremony for the Chinese
leader.
In a written statement released upon his arrival, Premier Wen said he is
delighted to pay an official visit to the beautiful country of Cambodia and
would like to take this opportunity to convey the cordial greetings and best
wishes of the Chinese people to the hospitable people of Cambodia.
"China and Cambodia are friendly neighbors and the traditional friendship
between the two peoples has a long history," he said, "In recent years,
China-Cambodia friendship, forged and cultivated by several generations of
Chinese leaders and His Majesty Norodom Sihanouk, the King Father, has been
flourished."
"Our two countries have engaged in productive exchanges and cooperation in
the political, economic, trade, cultural and other areas and maintained good
coordination and cooperation in regional and international affairs," the premier
said.
"The growth of China-Cambodia relations serves the fundamental interest of
the two peoples and is conducive to peace, stability and development in the
region," he added.
During the visit, Wen said that he would call on His Majesty Norodom
Sihamoni, King of Cambodia, meet with Senate President Chea Sim, National
Assembly President Heng Samrin, and hold talks with Prime Minister Hun Sen.
Premier Wen said he looks forward to an in-depth exchange of views with the
Cambodian leaders on bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest to
strengthen friendship, enhance understanding, deepen cooperation and promote
development.
"I will also take this opportunity to learn more about the economic and
social development in Cambodia," he added.
The premier expressed confidence that with the thoughtful arrangements by the
Cambodian side, he would have a successful visit, which would contribute to the
long-term and stable growth of the good neighborly and friendly relationship of
cooperation between China and Cambodia.
Cambodia is the last leg of Premier Wen's Asia-Pacific tour which has also
taken him to Australia, Fiji and New Zealand.