Cambodian PM hails rescue exercise between Cambodian and Chinese sailors

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on Wednesday hailed a rescue exercise between Cambodian and Chinese sailors, saying that the exercise was essential to increase capacity for Cambodian sailors in humanitarian tasks.

Hun Sen made the remarks during a meeting with Rear Admiral Yu Manjiang, commander of China's naval unit in the region, who has led two Chinese guided-missile frigates, along with a replenishment ship, to visit Cambodia, said Eang Sophalleth, a personal aide to the prime minister.

"The prime minister has supported the joint exercise, which will strengthen the capacity of Cambodian naval personnel in rescuing people in time of any natural disasters, and suggested that, in the future, there should be joint exercises on anti-piracy," he told reporters after the meeting at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh.

For his part, Yu said the three Chinese vessels, namely Liuzhou, Sanya and Qinghaihu, have docked at southwestern Cambodia's Sihanoukville Autonomous Port since Monday for a five-day goodwill visit to the kingdom.

The rescue exercise between Chinese and Cambodian sailors will end Thursday. Moreover, the Chinese crew would visit Cambodian communities in order to learn Cambodian culture and people's daily lives, according to Yu.

"Through the visit, it will contribute further to strengthening friendly relations and cooperation between the navies of the two countries," he said.

Earlier in the day, Yu also met with Royal Cambodian Navy commander Gen. Tea Vinh. Enditem