On behalf of President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao, State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan paid a special visit to visiting Former Cambodian King Norodom Sihanouk and His Wife As Well As Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni on January 3.

Tang conveyed best wishes and cordial greetings to Mr. and Mrs. Sihanouk and King Sihamoni for the New Year. Tang said, having been consistently committed to China-Cambodia friendship, former King Sihanouk has fostered profound and sincere friendship with the generations of Chinese leaderships and is an old, good and respected friend of the Chinese people. Since his succession, King Sihamoni has carried on the traditional friendship with China and has contributed to the development of China-Cambodia relations, for which we are very much appreciated. Tang stressed that the Chinese government gives top priority to developing relations with Cambodia and would like to uplift bilateral relations to a new level in joint efforts with Cambodian so as to ensure the lasting friendship between the two peoples. China will, as always, support Cambodia's efforts in maintaining national stability and promoting economic development.

Sihanouk and Sihamoni asked Tang to convey their New Year greetings to President Hu and Premier Wen. They said the Cambodian people are sincerely thankful to the Chinese government and people for their selfless support and assistance to Cambodia over the tears for its efforts in striving for national independence, maintaining territorial and sovereign integrity and building the country. China is the greatest friend for the Cambodian people. The royal family, the government and the people of Cambodia will continue to firmly support China's reunification efforts and wished greater achievements for China.

Sihamoni arrived in Beijing on January 1 to see his parents Mr. and Mrs. Sihanouk.