Entrusted by Chinese President Hu Jintao, State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan visited Cambodia's King Father Norodom Sihanouk and Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk in Beijing on February 17, a day before the Chinese lunar New Year.

Tang conveyed the New Year wishes and cordial greetings from President Hu Jintao and his wife to Sihanouk and his wife.

Tang said King Father Sihanouk, as an old good friend of Chinese people, has helped forge China-Cambodia friendship and witnessed its development. Tang praised Sihanouk's everlasting contributions to the development of China-Cambodia relations. China and Cambodia are good neighbors and good partners and both sides have witnessed frequent contacts between their leaders with fruitful exchanges and cooperation in all areas, he said. Both sides will jointly hold various events to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations next year so that the two peoples, especially the young generations of the two countries, will understand the value of the China-Cambodia friendship and make efforts to pass on the traditional friendship from generation to generation, added Tang.

Sihanouk asked Tang to convey his New Year greetings to Hu and his wife and wished the Chinese leaders and all Chinese people a happy New Year. He said Cambodia had forged a special and profound friendship with China and Cambodian people deeply appreciate China's long-lasting support and help. The Cambodian royal family and government adhere to the friendly policy towards China, which will never change, he added.