50th anniversary of China-Cambodia ties marked

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-07-19 11:42

PHNOM PENH -- The Chinese Embassy hosted here a dinner reception on Friday to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Cambodia.

At the reception, Chinese Ambassador Zhang Jinfeng and Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni spoke highly of the all-round development of the Sino-Cambodia relations over the past five decades.

"In the past 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, the friendly relations jointly created by leaders of the two countries have been attentively fostered. It sustains the fierce test of international drastic changes, and keeps consolidated and developed," Zhang Jinfeng said.

"During the visit of Premier Wen Jiabao to Cambodia in April 2006, the two governments announced the establishment of Comprehensive Partnership of Cooperation, which opened a brand-new prospect for development of the bilateral relations," she said.

The Chinese government will continue to provide assistance within its capacity to Cambodia, with the vision to further deepen the traditional friendship, expand down-to-earth cooperation and bring benefits to the peoples of both countries, she added.

While addressing the reception, Sihamoni extended his gratitude for the Chinese government and people, who have helped Cambodia to develop its economy and society, to improve living standards and to reduce poverty.

"On this magnificent occasion, I would like to strongly reaffirm that the Kingdom of Cambodia is embracing the one-China policy and assure that we always consider the People's Republic of China to be our most trusted friend," Sihamoni said.

"I strongly believe that the long term relationship and special cooperation of our two countries will be continuously strengthened and widened," he added.

China and Cambodia formally established diplomatic relations on July 19, 1958.