Jiang Zemin expresses condolences over death of Sihanouk

Former Chinese president Jiang Zemin sent a message to Cambodian Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk on Monday, expressing condolences over the passing of Cambodian King Father Norodom Sihanouk, who died early Monday at Beijing Hospital.

Jiang said in the message that Sihanouk was an outstanding leader of Cambodia who had dedicated his life to Cambodia's national reconciliation and development, and had made immortal contributions to the realization of peace, stability and prosperity in Cambodia.

Jiang said he met many times with Sihanouk, who was a founder, guardian and propeller of the Sino-Cambodian friendship, and he expressed deep regret over the loss of such a great friend.

Sihanouk would live in the hearts of the Chinese people and the Cambodian people forever, Jiang said.

Born on Oct. 31, 1922, Norodom Sihanouk reigned from 1941 to 1955 and again from 1993 till his voluntary abdication on Oct. 7, 2004 in favor of his son, the current king, Norodom Sihamoni.