PHNOM PENH — Cambodia and China pledged in Phnom Penh on April 22 to further promote friendly relations between the two countries.

While meeting visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni said he cherishes Cambodia’s friendship with China forged by late Cambodian King Father Norodom Sihanouk.

Sihamoni noted that it is his important mission to further carry on and promote bilateral friendly relations, and he will make contribution to boosting Cambodia-China cooperation and friendship.

The assistance offered by China over the years has significantly boosted Cambodia’s development in various fields, Sihamoni said, adding that the deep friendly feelings from the Chinese government and the people have made Cambodia-China friendship deeply-rooted among the Cambodian people.

Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Sen (R) meets with Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, April 22, 2016.[Photo/Xinhua]

For his part, Wang said the traditional friendship between China and Cambodia, forged and cultivated by the Chinese leaders of the older generation and late Cambodian king father, is the common and valuable possession of both peoples.

Inheriting late king father’s friendship toward China, King Shihamoni has unswervingly pressed forward the good neighborliness between the two countries and made significant contribution to the development of bilateral ties since he ascended to the throne, the Chinese foreign minister said.

Wang said the Chinese government attaches great importance to relations with Cambodia and firmly pursues a friendly policy toward the country.

He noted China-Cambodia ties have currently maintained good momentum, believing that with joint efforts from both sides, their traditional friendship will continue to display new vitality and bring benefits to the two peoples.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Cambodian counterpart Prak Sokhonn attend press conference in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, April 22, 2016.[Photo/Xinhua]

Foreign Minister Wang Yi holds talks with his Cambodian counterpart Prak Sokhonn in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, April 22, 2016.[Photo/Xinhua]

Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni meets with Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, April 22, 2016.[Photo/Xinhua]