In a message to Cambodian King Norodom Sihanouk, Chinese President Hu Jintao said the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries on July 19, 1958, ushered in a new era in their history of friendship.

"The two peoples have been supporting each other in maintaining sovereignty, striving for national liberation and building their own countries," Hu said.

With the exchange of visits by leaders in recent years, the two sides have reached consensus on boosting friendly cooperation under new circumstances, and deepened mutual political trust, thus strengthening bilateral cooperation in various fields, Hu said.

The new Chinese leadership attaches great importance to Sino-Cambodian relations, and is willing to make joint efforts with Cambodia to elevate their good-neighborly ties and friendly cooperation to a higher level.

King Sihanouk said in his message that Cambodia and China have maintained long-term and fruitful bilateral relations over the past 45 years. He looked forward to further developing such a good friendship between them.

In a message to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said it has been the consistent policy of the Chinese government to develop good-neighborly relations with Cambodia.

China is ready to join efforts with the Cambodian side to further promote their friendly cooperation, and to implement the Joint Declaration and consensus reached between the leaderships of the two countries, Wen said.

Hun Sen in his letter said the friendship between the two countries and peoples fostered by King Sihanouk and Chinese leaders have laid a solid foundation for the future development of their bilateral relations.

He expressed gratitude for assistance from China in developing Cambodia's economy and China's contribution to alleviating poverty in Cambodia, a top priority of the Cambodian government.

Hun Sen reiterated Cambodia's stance of adhering to the One China policy.

On the same day, Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing and his Cambodian counterpart, Hor Nam Hong, also exchanged greetings.

(Xinhua News Agency July 18, 2003)