Xi Jinping: China-Cambodia friendship is growing with vigor and vitality

Chinese President Xi Jinping (2nd R) and his wife Peng Liyuan (1st R) visit Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni (2nd L) and Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk, ahead of the traditional Mid-Autumn Festival, in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 19, 2018. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

Chinese President Xi Jinping and First Lady Peng Liyuan met with visiting Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni in Beijing on Wednesday, hailing that China-Cambodia friendship is growing with vigor and vitality since the establishment of diplomatic ties 60 years ago.

The king was accompanied by his mother, former Queen Norodom Monineath Sihanouk.

President Xi wished King Sihamoni and Queen Mother Monineath a happy Mid-Autumn Festival and healthy life.

Xi said that China appreciates the king and the former queen's contributions to bilateral ties, which he said have never been better.

"I have met with King Sihamoni and Queen Mother Monineath every year from 2016 till now, like a family reunion," Xi said.

Xi also congratulated Cambodia on the success of its general election last month, saying that Cambodia will make even greater achievements in its development under the auspices of King Sihamoni and under the leadership of the Cambodian government led by Prime Minister Hun Sen.

China attaches great importance to its relations with Cambodia, and will work with the country to carry forward their traditional friendship, Xi said, vowing to push China-Cambodia comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation to a new height.

King Sihamoni and Queen Mother Monineath expressed their gratitude to President Xi for China's hospitality and said that Xi's historic visit to Cambodia in 2016 had elevated the China-Cambodia relations to a new level.

They also said that Cambodia will continue to actively push for new development of the bilateral relations in comprehensive strategic cooperation.

The Cambodian royal family is in Beijing for a routine medical check-up.