Sihamoni departs for China

KING Norodom Sihamoni left Cambodia yesterday for a 13-day tour of China that will include a visit to the Shanghai 2010 World Expo and a visit to his parents in Beijing.

King Sihamoni was seen off at Phnom Penh International Airport yesterday by senior government officials including Prime Minister Hun Sen, Senate President Chea Sim, National Assembly President Heng Samrin and Chinese Ambassador Pan Guangxue, as well as other members of the royal family.

In an open letter to the Cambodian people, the King said he would attend the celebrations at the expo on Friday, marking the anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949.

The expo, which showcases pavilions from countries around the world and features celebrations such as parades and theatrical performances from each nation, has seen more than 56 million visitors since it began in May.

Sihamoni also said he would make time for family affairs. “I will visit King Father Norodom Sihanouk and Queen Mother Norodom Monineath, participate in an exhibition in Shanghai and will have my health checked in Beijing,” the letter said. The King’s parents are based in Beijing, where they are receiving traditional treatments from Chinese doctors. Senate President Chea Sim will serve as the Kingdom’s acting head of state until Sihamoni’s return to Cambodia on October 10, the letter said.

Sourced=phnompenhpost