President Hu Jintao meets with Cambodia's new King Norodom Sihamoni in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Oct. 18. (Xinhua Photo)

    BEIJING, Oct. 18 (Xinhuanet) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao met with Cambodia's new King Norodom Sihamoni here Monday and promised China's continuous support to Cambodia.

    Hu congratulated Sihamoni again on his succession to the throne,and said he wished Cambodia new success under his leadership.

    China and Cambodia cherish traditional friendship and they havebeen trusting neighbors, friends and partners, Hu said.

    "The Chinese government and people highly treasure their profound traditional friendship with the Cambodian royal house andpeople," Hu said. "China pays high tribute to the outstanding contributions that former Cambodian king Norodom Sihanouk has madeto China-Cambodia relations."

    Cambodia's Throne Council last Thursday chose Prince Norodom Sihamoni as new king of Cambodia, a week after his father, NorodomSihanouk, abdicated.

    The Chinese president stressed that China greatly values its friendly and cooperative relations with Cambodia, and will continue to support the Cambodian government and people in their efforts for national stability, unity among ethnic groups and economic development.

    "We will work together with the Cambodian side and bring good-neighborly cooperation between the two countries to a higher levelin the new century," Hu said.

    King Sihamoni described China as a "great friend" of Cambodia, noting that China has offered his country huge support and assistance.

    Sihamoni said Cambodia will always uphold its friendly policy toward China and the one-China principle. He said he himself will do his best to consolidate and develop Cambodia-China friendship. Enditem