Xi lauds Queen Mother for strengthening China-Cambodia bonds

Chinese President Xi Jinping said Thursday that Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk, the mother of Cambodia's current king, is both a witness and a promoter of China-Cambodia friendship.

In his meeting with the Queen Mother at the Royal Palace, Xi noted her special friendly feelings towards the Chinese people, and said she is well-deserving of being awarded the Friendship Medal of the People's Republic of China.

Xi also stated that China is her second home, adding that she is always welcome to visit China anytime.

Cambodia's King Father Norodom Sihanouk, Xi said, was a banner of China-Cambodia friendship. Together with the elder generation of Chinese leaders, he personally forged the unbreakable bond between the two nations.

"We will always remember the historic contributions he made," Xi added.

For her part, the Queen Mother said Xi is the greatest friend of Cambodia, and expressed great pleasure in seeing that the China-Cambodia friendship, forged by the elder generation of leaders, has been continuously strengthened and developed.

The Queen Mother also said she believes the ironclad friendship between the two countries will only grow deeper and more unbreakable.