Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi ended an official visit to Cambodia Saturday, officials said, but not before dealing out gifts and promises fit for a Chinese New Year, according to dpa. Jiechi met with Cambodian king Norodom Sihamoni, officially inviting him for a return state visit. He also met with high officials including his counterpart, Hor Namhong, and Prime Minister Hun Sen. Jienchi pledged 55-million dollars for road and bridge construction, and millions more in soft loans to develop the country's struggling power grid, according to government spokesmen. He also pledged tax-free imports for 400 Cambodian products into China as well as negotiating to increase Chinese tourism to the country. Tourism is Cambodia's second largest industry and China is becoming one its major sources behind South Korea and Japan. China is also Cambodia's largest foreign investor and one of its closest allies. The visit had been aimed at strengthening bilateral ties.
