PHNOM PENH, Aug. 3 (FN) — Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn said on Wednesday that Chinese assistance has importantly contributed to the development of Cambodia, according to Foreign Ministry spokesman Chum Sounry.

The minister made the remarks during a meeting with outgoing Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Bu Jianguo.

"On behalf of the government and people of Cambodia, His Excellency expressed sincere and profound gratitude to China for having provided assistance to and cooperation with Cambodia in all fields," the spokesman told reporters after the meeting.

"He underlined that the assistance and cooperation (from China) have importantly contributed to the current development of Cambodia," said Sounry.

"The minister also underscored that Cambodia's all-field development today could not be detached from China's assistance and cooperation," the spokesman added.

During the meeting, Prak Sokhonn highly appreciated Ambassador Bu for her active contributions to further enhancing Cambodia-China relations and cooperation during her three-year diplomatic mission in Cambodia.

For her part, Bu thanked the minister and officials at the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for working closely with the Chinese Embassy here during her tenure.