Jia Qinglin (L), chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), meets with former Cambodian King Norodom Sihanouk in Beijing, China, Aug. 11, 2008. Norodom Sihanouk was here to attend the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games on Aug. 8. (Xinhua/Gao Jie) Photo Gallery>>>

    BEIJING, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- China's top political advisor Jia Qinglin met here Monday with former Cambodian King Norodom Sihanouk, who was here to attend the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games.

    Jia said the China-Cambodia friendship became a treasure shared by the two peoples over the past 50 years, and Norodom Sihanouk was an old and good friend known by all the Chinese people. China and Cambodia were indeed good neighbors, good friends, good brothers and good partners, as the two sides enjoy mutual trust in political field, have mutually beneficial cooperation in economic field, and support each other in international affairs.

    The Chinese side is willing to join hands with Cambodia to enrich and expand the bilateral relations so as to better benefit the two peoples.

    Sihanouk said the Cambodian royal family, government and people would adhere to the friendly relations with China and make further efforts to consolidate and develop the traditional friendship.

    China and Cambodia have maintained mutual friendship and cooperation since the two countries established diplomatic relations on July 19, 1958.