Armies of Cambodia,China sign memorandum

The Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) and the Chinese People's Liberation Army(PLA) on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on military human resources development.

Gen. Moeung Samphan, secretary of state at Cambodian Ministry of Defense, and Gen. Qi Jianguo, PLA deputy chief of general staff n Army (PLA) signed the MoU witnessed by Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Gen. Tea Banh and Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Pan Guangxue.

Under the MoU, China would help build up capacity and expertise of the RCAF by offering training courses and providing military equipment and materials to the trainees after courses, Tea Banh told reporters after the signing ceremony.

"This will contribute to assisting the RCAF to increase capacity in national defense sector," he said.

Besides, he said, at Cambodia's request, the PLA would provide musical instruments to Cambodia for use at the procession and cremation of late Cambodian King Father Norodom Sihanouk early next month.

Qi said that China was pleased to help with Cambodia's national development.

Earlier in the day, Qi met with Gen. Pol Sareoun, commander-in- chief of the RCAF. During the meeting, Qi said his visit to Cambodia was to deepen friendly ties between the two armies.

Meanwhile, Pol Saroeun said the visit was a good opportunity for both sides to further strengthen friendship and traditional cooperation between the armed forces of the two nations.

He expressed thanks to China for helping to train Cambodian armed forces both in military expertise and the Chinese language.

Qi arrived here on Tuesday for a three-day visit. He will pay tribute to late King Father Norodom Sihanouk at the Royal Palace on Wednesday afternoon.

On Thursday, Qi and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen will preside over a closing ceremony of the first batch of Cambodian infantrymen who have graduated from China.