President Hu Jintao arrived at Phnom Penh Friday afternoon to begin his 4-day visit to the country.

It is the first state visit paid by the head of China during the past 12 years.

More than 30,000 people in Phnom Penh lined the streets to welcome Hu's visit.

Cambodia is the host country in 2012 for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

In a written speech delivered upon arrival, Hu said that China and Cambodia are traditional neighbors of friendship, stressing that "the good-neighborly ties of friendship between the two countries are forged and carefully nurtured by the older generations of leaders", and "have withstood the test of time and international vicissitudes and moved forward steadily".

According to the schedule, Hu will meet with Cambodia King Norodom Sihamoni, President Chea Sim of the Senate, President Heng Samrin of the National Assembly and Prime Minister Hun Sen.

In a written interview with China Daily, Cambodia ambassador to China Khek M Cai Mealy said that "Cambodia, as a chair country for the ASEAN meetings, will help coordinate ties between China and other ASEAN countries over the bilateral diplomatic and cooperation".

The ambassador also urged relevant ASEAN countries not let the South China Sea issue affect all fields of bilateral ties.