Chinese President Hu Jintao sent a message to Norodom Sihamoni on Thursday to congratulate him on his election as the king of Cambodia.

"I am pleased to learn that Your Majesty has been elected king of Cambodia. On behalf of the Chinese government and in my own name, I extend my sincere congratulations and good wishes to Your Majesty and the Cambodian people," Hu said in the message.

Cambodia is a country with a long history and the Cambodian people are industrious, intelligent and brave, Hu said, adding that under the leadership of Sihamoni, the Cambodian people will surely make new achievements in national construction.

"We highly appraise the efforts made by former King Norodom Sihanouk for Cambodia's independence, and national reconciliation and peaceful development, as well as his outstanding contribution to strengthening and boosting the good-neighborly relations between Cambodia and China," Hu said.

As a good neighbor and sincere friend of Cambodia, China and its government and people cherish the traditional friendship between the two countries. China will, as always, support Cambodia's efforts in maintaining the country's stability and promoting national solidarity and economy, the Chinese president said.

On Thursday, Cambodia's Throne Council chose Prince Norodom Sihamoni as the new king of Cambodia, a week after his father abdicated.

(Xinhua News Agency October 15, 2004)