President Hu Jintao has arrived in Cambodia for a three day state visit, the first by a Chinese leader since the year 2000. The trip is aimed at enhancing the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, and boosting regional cooperation.

President Hu arrives in Cambodia for 3-day state visit.

A warm reception for a visiting leader, in a speech at the airport, President Hu Jintao spoke highly of the friendly relations between China and Cambodia, citing it as a good example of equality and sincere cooperation between countries. He said the close ties, nurtured by the older generations of leaders of both countries over the past few decades, have stood the test of time, and served the fundamental interests of regional stability and prosperity.

Later President Hu had a phone conversation with Cambodian Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk. He conveyed his thanks for the warm reception at the airport, and said he was deeply impressed by the deep-rooted friendship between the two peoples.

Speaking in Chinese, the Queen Mother wished President Hu success in his visit to her country.

China and Cambodia established a comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation in 2010. Since then, bilateral trade has developed rapidly, rising from 1.4 billion US dollars in 2010 to 2.5 billion in 2011. China hopes the visit will push forward China-ASEAN relations, as Cambodia holds the ASEAN presidency in 2012.

President Hu flew directly to the Cambodian capital after attending the BRICS summit in New Delhi.

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