Wen visits Cambodian royals for condolence

BEIJING - Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao visited Cambodian Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk and her son, King of Cambodia Norodom Sihamoni, on Monday evening to express his condolence and sympathy following the death of King Father Norodom Sihanouk.

Wen spoke highly of Sihanouk's life, noting that the Cambodian King Father has made unremitting efforts and remarkable contribution to Cambodia's national independence and peaceful development.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (L, front) visits Cambodian Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk (C, front) and Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni (R, front) to express deep condolence and sincere sympathy for the death of Cambodian King-Father Norodom Sihanouk in Beijing, Oct 15, 2012. [Photo/Xinhua]

"His Majesty King Father Sihanouk had devoted himself to promoting the friendship between Chinese and Cambodian people, and he himself was a great friend with the Chinese people," according to Wen.

The premier said he personally had forged a deep friendship with Sihanouk and would always cherish memories of the Cambodian King Father.

He also expressed his sympathy to the Queen Mother Monineath and King Sihamoni, saying China will always welcome the Queen Mother as it has done in the past.

Queen Mother Monineath and King Sihamoni both expressed their heartfelt gratitude for Wen's visit. They noted that the Cambodian royal family felt deep appreciation for the relations China has enjoyed with Sihanouk in the past 40 years and would remain committed to carrying on the friendly policies to China formulated by the King Father Sihanouk himself.

On the same day, Wen also met with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen who travelled with King Sihamoni to bring home Sihanouk's body.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (L, front) meets with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen in Beijing, Oct 15, 2012. [Photo/Xinhua]

Wen said the King Father Sihanouk's death was a great loss to Cambodia and China also lost a great friend, noting that China and Cambodia have forged a profound traditional friendship that has stood the test of history.

China is willing to make joint efforts with the Cambodian side to promote a comprehensive and strategic partnership to score new progress in a bid to benefit the two peoples and maintain regional peace, stability and prosperity, Wen vowed.

Hun Sen, on behalf of the Cambodian government, thanked China for its long-term assistance and support for his country, noting Cambodia-China relations have been an exemplar for international relations.

Cambodia will work closer with China to push forward bilateral ties to a higher level, according to its prime minister.

Born on October 31, 1922, Norodom Sihanouk reigned over Cambodia from 1941 to 1955 and again from 1993 till his voluntary abdication on October 7, 2004 in favor of his son, the current King Norodom Sihamoni.