PHNOM PENH, Sept. 26 (FN) — Xiong Bo, newly-appointed Chinese ambassador to Cambodia, met with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Hor Namhong on Monday, discussing ways to further enhance ties and cooperation between the two countries.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Namhong said both sides exchanged views on the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership of Cooperation which was elevated in 2010, and explored ways to further promote relations and cooperation between Cambodia and China.

He said he informed the ambassador about the plummeting rice prices in Cambodia, which had been seriously affecting farmers, and called on China to help buy Cambodian rice as soon as possible.

China has recently agreed to increase its rice imports from Cambodia to 200,000 tons for the harvest season 2016-2017, from 100,000 tons, he said.

"China's purchase will be a great help to our farmers," said Namhong, who is the ex-foreign minister.

For his part, Xiong vowed to further deepen all rounds of cooperation between China and Cambodia during his tenure. He said the Chinese government always paid high attention to helping Cambodia boost rice sector.

Xiong succeeded Bu Jianguo, whose three-year diplomatic mission in Cambodia came to an end last month.

He presented credentials to Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni on Sept. 20.