Cambodia and China on Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on scientific and technological cooperation.

The deal was signed by Cambodia's Vice Minister of Industry, Mines and Energy Chea Seang Hong and China's Vice Minister of Science and Technology Wang Zhigang in the presence of Cambodian Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Men Sam An and visiting Chinese State Councilor Liu Yandong.

Speaking in a bilateral meeting ahead of the signing ceremony, Men Sam An said that Liu's visit would bring closer solidarity and cooperation between the two countries.

She said that the upgrade of the Cambodia-China relationship to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2010 was a great opportunity to further enhance cooperation.

Liu congratulated Cambodia on successfully hosting the 21st ASEAN Summit and related Summits last month, saying that the success has raised Cambodia's pride and reputation internationally.

"As Cambodia's friend, China is pleased to see the success of Cambodia," she said.

She said that China and Cambodia are good neighbors and the friendly relationship, which was established by late Cambodian King Father Norodom Sihanouk and Chinese leaders, has lasted for more than half century and the ties have become stronger.

"I am very pleased to see the two countries support each other on all important issues relevant to each side's core interests," she said.

Liu arrived here on Friday for a two-day official visit at the invitation of Men Sam An. Earlier in the day, she paid tribute to deceased King Father Norodom Sihanouk at the Royal Palace.

She will also pay a courtesy call on Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen at the Peace Palace and attend the unveiling ceremony of the China-Cambodia food industry joint laboratory later Friday.

Liu will visit Cambodia's world heritage Angkor Wat Temple in Siem Reap province on Saturday, and look in Chinese specialists who have been renovating ancient Ta Keo temple at the complex of the Angkor archeological park.

Cambodia was the first leg of her 3-nation tour which will also bring her to New Zealand and Australia.

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