1st LD-Writethru: Chinese president meets Cambodian PM

BEIJING, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping met here Friday with President of the Cambodian People's Party and Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen.

Hun Sen is here to attend the Communist Party of China (CPC) in Dialogue with World Political Parties High-Level Meeting, scheduled from Nov. 30 to Dec. 3.

Xi called Hun Sen a good friend, old friend and true friend of the CPC and the Chinese people.

The China-Cambodia ties are currently at the best period in history, Xi said, citing enhanced political trust, expanded cooperation and cultural exchanges.

The year 2018 marks the 60th anniversary of China-Cambodia diplomatic ties. Xi called on both sides to take the opportunity to advance relations.

The CPC and the Chinese government always view China-Cambodia ties from a strategic height and long-term perspective, Xi said.

He said Cambodia always firmly supports China on issues concerning its core interests.

Xi expressed support for Cambodia's efforts to maintain development and stability, adding China expects to boost cooperation with Cambodia in defense, law-enforcement and security as well as other areas.

The Chinese president called for stronger bilateral coordination in multilateral mechanisms such as the United Nations, East Asia Cooperation and Lancang-Mekong Cooperation.

Xi briefed Hun Sen about the 19th CPC National Congress, adding the CPC expects to share governance experience with Cambodia.

Hun Sen congratulated Xi on his re-election as general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and spoke highly of the dialogue between CPC and the world political parties.

Calling China a trustworthy and close friend of Cambodia, he said Cambodia is satisfied with the growth of bilateral ties and expects to further enhance the relationship.

Cambodia hopes to learn from China's governance experience, Hun Sen added. Enditem