Chinese President Hu Jintao arrived Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Friday for a state visit aimed at enhancing the comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation between China and Cambodia.

Hu was warmly greeted at the airport by Prince Ranariddh, chief adviser to the Privy Council, Princess Buppha Devi and Prince Chivanmonirak on behalf of King Norodom Sihamoni.

In a statement released at the airport, Hu said he was delighted to visit the country at the king's invitation.

He lauded the China-Cambodia friendly relationship as a good example of equality and sincere cooperation between countries, adding it served the fundamental interests of the two countries and their people, and also contributed to the stability and prosperity of the region.

The good-neighborly friendship, nurtured by the older generations of leaders of both countries, had withstood the test of time and entered a new historic period after the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation in 2010, Hu said.

"I am ready to have an in-depth exchange of views with Cambodian leaders on issues of mutual interest in a spirit of consolidating the traditional friendship, deepening the mutually beneficial cooperation and promoting common development," he said in the statement.

During the visit, the first by a Chinese head of state in 12 years, Hu will meet King Sihamoni, Senate President Chea Sim, National Assembly President Heng Samrin and Prime Minister Hun Sen.

"I'm also looking forward to learning more about the time-honored history and brilliant culture of Cambodia as well as the great progress and changes the country has achieved," Hu said.

The Chinese leader also expressed confidence his visit would bear rich fruit and contribute to the long-term and steady growth of the comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation between the two countries.

Cambodia is the third and final leg of Hu's three-nation trip. He flew into the Cambodian capital from New Delhi after attending a meeting of BRICS, which groups the world's top emerging economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

Before that, he participated in the Nuclear Security Summit in Seoul.

China and Cambodia have developed growing ties, with fruitful cooperation in the fields of trade and economy, security and culture among others. The two sides have maintained close communication and coordination in regional and international affairs.

(Xinhua News Agency March 30, 2012)