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PHNOM PENH, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia on Friday inaugurated a food industry laboratory with Chinese aid, aiming at assisting food quality improvement, research and technology development, officials said.

The China-Cambodia Food Industry Laboratory is situated in the complex of the Industrial Laboratory Center of Cambodia in Phnom Penh's Russey Keo district.

Addressing the inauguration ceremony, visiting Chinese State Councilor Liu Yandong recalled that during the 14th ASEAN-China Summit in Indonesia in 2011, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao called for the establishment of ASEAN-China Science and Technology Partnership Program, and in September this year, the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology officially began the program in order to promote cooperation and share experiences in scientific and technological development between China and ASEAN.

"The China-Cambodia Food Industry Laboratory is the first lab since the program was launched. It will help to improve food quality and safety in Cambodia," she said.

Liu stressed that China has been giving high attention to promote cooperation in science and technology with ASEAN in general and with Cambodia in particular.

"The lab is not only a testimony of cooperation in science and technology between China and Cambodia, it has also broke new ground for the cooperation between China and ASEAN," Liu said. "I hope that the lab will become a model of cooperation between China and ASEAN."

Cambodia's Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Men Sam An, who presided over the ceremony with Liu, said Cambodia was the first country in ASEAN that began implementing the ASEAN-China Science and Technology Partnership Program since it was launched.

"I believe that the cooperation will help further enhance capacity for Cambodian specialists and private sector on science and technology, especially small and meddle-sized food enterprises, " she said.

"The lab will contribute to enhancing food quality and safety, related research and technology development," she added.

Cambodia's Vice Minister of Industry, Mines and Energy Chea Seang Hong said that the lab was a fruitful result of the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding between the his ministry and the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology inked in September this year.

He said that the laboratory's equipment and devices were donated by China with a total value of 465,000 U.S. dollars in the first phase of 3-year cooperation.

Chinese State Councilor Liu Yandong (L) talks with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Dec. 7, 2012. Chinese State Councilor Liu Yandong arrived here on Friday for a two-day official visit aiming to further enhance bilateral ties. (Xinhua/Phearum)

PHNOM PENH, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen met with visiting Chinese State Councilor Liu Yandong on Friday afternoon, and both sides agreed to further strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation in all fields.

Liu said that her visit to Cambodia was to expedite the implementation of every agreement that the two countries' leaders have reached and added that China would continue to strengthen and expand cooperation with Cambodia for mutual interests.

As 2013 is the 55th anniversary of Cambodia-China diplomatic relations, she said the year will be a good opportunity for both sides to further promote cooperation to a new-high level in all fields including education, culture and youth besides politics, trade, investment and tourism.

Liu also conveyed greetings from Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao to Hun Sen and expressed sincere thank to Cambodia for its staunch support for China on issues related to China's core interests.

In addition, she congratulated Cambodia for successfully hosting the 21st ASEAN Summit and related Summits, saying that success has raised Cambodia's pride and reputation internationally.

Meanwhile, Hun Sen reiterated that Cambodia undoubtedly supports one China policy and thanked China for providing assistance to Cambodia.

He said, "Chinese aid to Cambodia does not only help the country towards development, but it also strengthens the country' s independence."

The premier also congratulated the Communist Party of China ( CPC) for its successful conclusion of the 18th National Congress last month.

He said as a part of the celebration of the 55th anniversary of Cambodia-China diplomatic ties next year, some 100 Cambodian youths will visit China to bridge closer ties among the two countries' youths.

Finally, the premier expressed gratitude to China for providing medical treatment to King-Father Norodom Sihanouk until his death on Oct. 15.

The King Father's body will be cremated on Feb. 4, 2013, he said, adding that the government has not extended invitations to foreign guests to attend the cremation ceremony, but it will be good if foreign guests can come.