China on Friday said it is willing to be a peaceful neighbor, trusty friend and sincere partner to Cambodia.

China will work with Cambodia to continuously strengthen the friendship and cooperation between the two nations and the two armed forces, said Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan in a meeting with visiting Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Tea Banh.

Cao, also vice chairman of the Central Military Commission and state councilor, said leaders of the two countries have maintained frequent mutual visits. Bilateral economic and trade cooperation has made progress. military exchanges have enhanced.

Tea Banh said Cambodia-China friendship has weathered the test of time and history and has taken root in the hearts of the two peoples, adding he believed the Cambodia-China friendly and cooperative relationship would achieve greater development in the 21st century.

(Xinhua News Agency April 28, 2007)