Phnom Penh, August 24th—Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, met here today with Norodom Ratana Devi, Vice President of the National United Front for an Independent, Neutral, Peaceful and Cooperative Cambodia (FUNCINPEC).

Liu Jianchao said, the traditional friendship between China and Cambodia was built by King Father Norodom Sihanouk and the old generation of Chinese leaders such as Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai. King Father Norodom Sihanouk is an important symbol of friendship between China and Cambodia in the hearts of the two peoples. The Chinese side highly appreciates the excellent contributions made by King Father Norodom Sihanouk and the Cambodian royal family to the friendship between China and Cambodia for a long time, and is willing to work with the Cambodian side to carry forward the traditional friendship between China and Cambodia, so as to bring benefits to both countries and their people.

Liu Jianchao said that FUNCINPEC Party has long adhered to a friendly policy towards China, and has always upheld fairness and justice on issues related to China's core interests, such as the Taiwan question, and firmly supported Chinese positions. FUNCINPEC Party is a good and true friend of the CPC. Under the new situation, the CPC is willing to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with the FUNCINPEC Party and play an active role in promoting the development of China-Cambodia relations and building China-Cambodia community with a shared future.

Ratana Devi spoke highly of the great achievements the Chinese people have made under the leadership of the CPC and thanked the CPC and the Chinese government for their long-standing and strong support and assistance to the Cambodian side. She said, FUNCINPEC Party, following the teachings of King Father Norodom Sihanouk, cherishes the special friendly relations between Cambodia and China and attaches great importance to its friendly exchanges and cooperation with the CPC. It will continue to adhere to its friendly policy towards China, firmly support the Chinese side's just positions and carry forward the traditional friendship between Cambodia and China.

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