Cambodian King departs for China for routine medical check

PHNOM PENH, July 22 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni departed here on Sunday morning for Beijing for his third routine body check this year.

Several Cambodian senior officials went to the airport to send off the King, including the kingdom's Prime Minister Hun Sen, the first Vice President of Senate Say Chhum and Ngoun Nhel, the first Vice President of National Assembly.

Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Pan Guangxue also went to the airport.

Besides medical check, the King will also visit his parents, the former King of Cambodia Norodom Sihanouk and former Queen Norodom Monineath.

Norodom Sihanouk has been receiving medical treatment in Beijing for a long time to battle his cancer, diabetes and hypertension.

This is Sihamoni's third time leaving for Beijing after a one- month long stay in January and a shorter one in April.

According to Cambodian laws, the Senate President will serve as the acting head of state during the King's absence.

Sourced: Xinhuanet