Senior CPC official highlights inter-party exchanges with Cambodia

Zhou Yongkang (R), a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and secretary of the CPC Central Commission for Political and Legal Affairs, meets with Heng Samrin, honorary president of the Cambodian People's Party and president of the Cambodian National Assembly, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Aug. 20, 2011. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing)

PHNOM PENH, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- A senior official of the Communist Party of China (CPC) said here Saturday that the CPC is willing to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with Cambodian political parties to boost mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Cambodia.

Zhou Yongkang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks when he met respectively with Heng Samrin, honorary chairman of the Cambodian People's Party (CPP) and president of Cambodia's National Assembly, and Keo Puth Rasmey, chairman of the Funcinpec Party.

As ruling parties, both the CPC and the CPP face onerous tasks in developing the economy and improving people's living standards, Zhou said during his meeting with Heng.

The CPC is willing to strengthen exchanges between the two parties, especially between their young members, to boost mutually beneficial cooperation and friendship between the two countries, said Zhou, who is also secretary of the the Commission for Political and Legal Affairs of the CPC Central Committee.

Heng said that Cambodia appreciates China's long-time sincere assistance to Cambodia's national reconciliation and economic and social development.

Heng said that Cambodia is proud of China's enormous development achievements and regards China as a great friend.

Zhou Yongkang (L, front), a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and secretary of the CPC Central Commission for Political and Legal Affairs, meets with Keo Puth Rasmey (R, front), leader of Cambodian Funcinpec Party, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Aug. 20, 2011. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing)

During his meeting with Keo Puth Rasmey, Zhou said the Funcinpec Party, as an important force in Cambodia's politics, has made contributions to Cambodia's stability, development and prosperity.

The CPC is willing to intensify exchanges with the Funcinpec Party, Zhou said.

Keo Puth Rasmey said that consolidating and developing friendly cooperation with China is the aspirations of the whole Cambodian nation and also an important policy of the Funcinpec Party.

The Funcinpec Party leader thanked China for its long-time selfless aid to Cambodia, adding that the Cambodian side is willing to work with China to push forward the friendly ties between Cambodia and China.

Zhou arrived here late Friday for an official goodwill visit.

Cambodia is the third leg of Zhou's five-nation Asian tour, which has taken him to Nepal and Laos. He will also visit Tajikistan and Mongolia.

Editor: Wang Guanqun