Chinese premier visits Cambodian royalty

 Premier Wen Jiabao on Thursday visited Cambodian Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk and King Norodom Sihamoni hours after their arrival in Beijing.

Wen extended Lunar New Year greetings to them after they arrived in Beijing Thursday afternoon.

Wen recalled King Father Norodom Sihanouk's contributions toward developing Cambodia-China ties.

Ex-King Sihanouk, born in 1922, passed away in Beijing in October last year.

Wen also recognized Queen Mother Monineath's and King Sihamoni's contributions to bilateral ties, saying they are respected and trustworthy friends.

"There is always a home for you in China at any time," Wen said, stressing that China will always work together with Cambodia.

Monineath and Sihamoni thanked Wen for visiting them, adding that they appreciate the Chinese government's long-standing care and help.

They said Sihanouk had deep love for China and regarded China as his second home, adding this is also their feelings.

They said the Cambodian royal family and government will carry out Sihanouk's unfulfilled wish and adhere to a friendly policy toward China, as well as consolidate and develop Cambodia-China relations.