A DELEGATION of Chinese Communist Party (CCP) officials departed Cambodia Tuesday morning, following talks with King Norodom Sihamoni and senior government figures.

The delegation, led by Zhang Gaoli, a member of the CCP Central Committee's political bureau, met with King Sihamoni, Prime Minister Hun Sen and other government officials in a series of meetings Monday, Chinese state media reported.

At the talks, Zhang thanked the King for his efforts to push forward ties between the two countries and pledged China's continuing commitment to the "independence, peace, reconstruction and development" of Cambodia, the report said.

It also said he praised the efforts of former King Sihanouk, who is close to senior Chinese leaders and maintains a residence in Beijing.

"The King Father has long been a very good friend of China," said Qian Hai, first secretary of the Chinese embassy in Phnom Penh. "He has made a great contribution to the national friendship."

According to the report, in a separate meeting, Hun Sen reaffirmed Cambodia's support for the Chinese government's One-China Policy, something Qian said was a pillar of the bilateral relationship.

"For a long time they have supported the One-China Policy.  We are very [grateful] for Cambodia to have granted support to [reunification]," he said.

The 17-member CCP delegation arrived in Siem Reap Thursday and is scheduled to visit Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam, where it will hold talks with key ruling party officials.