Cambodian King flies to France for visit to bolster bilateral ties

Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni left Phnom Penh Tuesday evening for a visit to France to strengthen and expand bilateral ties and cooperation. At the Phnom Penh International Airport, the 61-year-old King was seen off by National Assembly President Heng Samrin, Prime Minister Hun Sen, and members of the Senate, the National Assembly, and the Government, as well as royal family members. In a royal message, the King said, "I will be absent from the country from April 29 in order to make a visit to France." The King will stay in France until May 12. According to the kingdom's Constitution, during the King's absence, Chea Sim, president of the Senate, will assume the title of the acting Head of State