On January 20, 2006, as the Spring Festival is coming, Premier Wen Jiabao of the State Council called on former Cambodian King Norodom Sihanouk and his wife in Beijing.

Wen made highly positive comments on Sihanouk's remarkable contributions to development of bilateral relations over the past half a century. He said that His Majesty King-Father has established a profound friendship with generations of leaderships of New China and always committed to bilateral friendship. Such a sound situation in bilateral relations today is inseparable from His Majesty's efforts in attaching great importance to and strongly pushing for bilateral relations. Both countries are good neighbors, friends and partners and the Chinese people will not forget their old friend. It is hoped that His Majesty will continue to show solicitude and support for bilateral friendly cooperation in various areas and make new contributions to continuous development of bilateral relations.

Sihanouk and his wife thanked for the care and friendly feelings held by Wen and the Chinese people for them. Sihanouk said that the Cambodian government, people and himself also hold a profound friendship for China, thank for China's disinterested assistance for Cambodia over a long period of time and always hold that China is the greatest and forever friend of Cambodia and its people.

Sihanouk indicated that the current Cambodian government and royal family will continue to pursue the friendly policy towards China and support China's grand cause of reunification. This policy will never change. He and his family will continue doing their utmost to promote bilateral friendship.