Vietnam communist party chief arrives in Cambodia on state visit
PHNOM PENH - The leader of Vietnam's communist party, Nong Duc Manh, arrived in the Cambodian capital for a three-day state visit at the invitation of King Norodom Sihamoni. Nong Duc Manh was greeted by King Sihamoni, who was crowned last October, and Deputy Prime Minister Hor Namhong in a red-carpet welcome at Phnom Penh's Pochentong airport.
During his stay he will be given a royal audience with the monarch and will also meet with Prime Minister Hun Sen, Senate President Chea Sim and National Assembly President Prince Norodom Ranariddh.
The Vietnamese leader last visited Cambodia in 2000 when he was president of the national assembly.
Cambodia shares close relations with its more powerful neighbour, whose troops ousted the genocidal Khmer Rouge (news - web sites) regime in 1979 and remained until pulling out in September 1989.
Agence France Presse - March 27, 2005.
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