国内英语新闻:China, Cambodia sign 6.4-billion-USD deals on top legislator's visit

PHNOM PENH, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- China and Cambodia on Thursday inked 6.4-billion-U.S. dollars deals ranging from infrastructure construction to energy exploration.

A total of 16 deals were signed after the hour-long talks between top Chinese legislator Wu Bangguo and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen late Thursday afternoon.

The package of deals covered such key areas of bilateral cooperation as infrastructure construction, water resources development, telecommunication technology and energy exploration among others.

Wu Bangguo (L), chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, shakes hands with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Nov. 4, 2010. China's top legislator held talks with Hun Sen in Phnom Penh on Thursday.

In earlier talks, Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), the country's top legislature, reviewed the smooth growth of China-Cambodia ties since the two countries forged diplomatic ties in 1958.

"Particularly in recent years, bilateral relations have developed rapidly," Wu said, highlighting strong trust, sincere cooperation and mutual support.

Wu underlined China's commitment to developing ties with Cambodia, labeling the southeast Asian country as a reliable neighbor, friend and brother.

Hun Sen said China's rapid growth benefited the people and helped lift the regional and world economy out of the downturn.

On the economic front, Wu said growing economic cooperation would add continuous momentum to bilateral relations.