Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan on Wednesday praised relations between China and Cambodia, describing them as "truly good neighbors and good friends." 

In a meeting with visiting Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, Tang said the two countries' traditional friendship, founded on mutual trust, has stood the test of time.

Exchanges of high-level visits have been frequent, the people of the two countries have maintained close contacts, Tang said. The two countries' cooperation in various fields is progressing smoothly, he added.

Tang expressed appreciation of the Cambodian Government's adherence to the one-China policy and its support to China's reunification cause.

Hun Sen said the Cambodian people respect the Chinese people, and mutual trust and respect form the sound basis of the development of the two countries' relations.

He said he believed his visit will promote the all-round development of bilateral ties.

The two sides also exchanged views on cooperation in trade and economy, investment and tourism.

(Xinhua News Agency April 22, 2004)