国内英语新闻:Chinese naval fleet visits Cambodia to boost naval ties

PHNOM PENH, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese naval fleet has visited Cambodia to promote bilateral ties and cooperation between the two countries.

The 23rd Chinese naval escort task force, comprising Xiangtan, Zhoushan and Chaohu of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, arrived at the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port in southwestern Cambodia's Preah Sihanouk province on Sunday for a five-day visit.

Senior Colonel Wang Hongli, commander of the task force, paid a courtesy on Cambodian deputy prime minister and defense minister Gen. Tea Banh in Phnom Penh on Monday.

The 23rd Escort Task Group had just ended its four-month mission in the Gulf of Aden and waters off Somali coast and returned home. It had visited Myanmar and Malaysia.

"We were very happy to be cordially welcomed by the Cambodian side and the Chinese community here," Wang said during the meeting.

Gen. Tea Banh said the Chinese and Cambodian naval personnel would exchange experience in maritime defense and play sports together. Besides, Chinese sailors will visit Cambodian communities in order to learn Cambodian culture and people's daily lives.

"This visit will contribute to strengthening friendly relations and cooperation between Chinese and Cambodian naval personnel," he told reporters after the meeting.