Chinese President Jiang Zemin said in Beijing Tuesday that the Chinese government and people treasure their traditional friendship with Cambodia and they will work together with the Cambodian side for a continuous and stable development of relations.

Jiang made the remarks during a meeting with Chea Sim, president of the Senate of Cambodia, who arrived in Beijing Monday for a four-day visit. Chea Sim is also chairman of the People's Party of Kampuchea.

Jiang noted that the China-Cambodia friendship, initiated by leaders of the elder generation of the two countries, has withstood the test of time and proved to have great vitality and broad development prospects.

Over the past few years, China and Cambodia have maintained close contacts among top leaders of the two countries. Such contacts have resulted in fruitful cooperation in the areas of economy, trade, public health, culture and tourism, Jiang said.

In addition, the two countries have supported each other and had close coordination on many international occasions, and they have together safeguarded the interests of the developing countries.

Jiang thanked the Cambodia government for its one-China policy and support of China's reunification cause. He said he is sure that the Cambodian people, under the leadership of King Norodom Sihanouk, will overcome difficulties and score even greater success in building Cambodia.

Chea Sim said that Jiang's visit to Cambodia last year opened a new page in the history of Cambodia-China relations. He thanked China for its long-term support and assistance to Cambodia and said Cambodia hopes to further relations with China in various areas, and in particular, trade and economic cooperation.

The senate president said that his country will continue to observe the one-China policy. He also extended his best wishes for the upcoming 80th anniversary of the founding of the CPC.

(Xinhua 03/28/2001)