Nov 1, 2007
DPA
Phnom Penh - North Korean Prime Minister Kim Yong Il arrived in the Cambodian capital Thursday looking relaxed and asking journalists and dignitaries to forego formal titles and just call him 'comrade.'
Accompanied by a 30-member delegation including the North Korean ministers of foreign trade, agriculture and culture, Kim - who is not related to North Korean leader Kim Jong Il - said in a prepared written statement that the two nations had a long history of friendship and cooperation.
'We are pleased to have the opportunity for a first hand look at the great success Cambodia has achieved in development and prosperity,' the statement said.
'We expect candid exchanges between Prime Minister Hun Sen and other dignitaries about how to further develop and consolidate bilateral relations as well as matters of mutual concern.'
Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Namhong told reporters that talks would centre on trade, maritime transport, investment protection issues and cultural exchange.
Kim was scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Hun Sen Thursday before meeting with Senate and National Assembly leaders Chea Sim and Heng Samrin Friday, as well as meeting the Cambodian commerce and transport ministers.
Former king Norodom Sihanouk will host a gala banquet for the North Koreans Friday night inside the Royal Palace, according to the schedule, and King Norodom Sihamoni will also receive them for an audience before they fly north to Siem Reap to tour the ancient Angkor Wat temple complex Saturday and fly out Sunday.
Cambodia and North Korea have maintained cordial diplomatic relations and Sihanouk makes frequent trips to the reclusive communist state. His bodyguard unit is made up of some of North Korea's finest agents - a lifetime gift from the North Korean government.
Accompanied by a 30-member delegation including the North Korean ministers of foreign trade, agriculture and culture, Kim - who is not related to North Korean leader Kim Jong Il - said in a prepared written statement that the two nations had a long history of friendship and cooperation.
'We are pleased to have the opportunity for a first hand look at the great success Cambodia has achieved in development and prosperity,' the statement said.
'We expect candid exchanges between Prime Minister Hun Sen and other dignitaries about how to further develop and consolidate bilateral relations as well as matters of mutual concern.'
Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Namhong told reporters that talks would centre on trade, maritime transport, investment protection issues and cultural exchange.
Kim was scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Hun Sen Thursday before meeting with Senate and National Assembly leaders Chea Sim and Heng Samrin Friday, as well as meeting the Cambodian commerce and transport ministers.
Former king Norodom Sihanouk will host a gala banquet for the North Koreans Friday night inside the Royal Palace, according to the schedule, and King Norodom Sihamoni will also receive them for an audience before they fly north to Siem Reap to tour the ancient Angkor Wat temple complex Saturday and fly out Sunday.
Cambodia and North Korea have maintained cordial diplomatic relations and Sihanouk makes frequent trips to the reclusive communist state. His bodyguard unit is made up of some of North Korea's finest agents - a lifetime gift from the North Korean government.
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