President Hu Jintao left the Indian capital Friday morning for Phnom Penh to begin his 4-day visit to the country.

It will be the first state visit paid by the head of China during the past 12 years.

Cambodia is the host country in 2012 for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

It has been expected the meetings between Hu and Cambodian leaders will not only focus on bilateral issues, but China-ASEAN issues as well.

According to the schedule, Hu will meet with Cambodia King Norodom Sihamoni, President Chea Sim of the Senate, President Heng Samrin of the National Assembly and Prime Minister Hun Sen.

In a written interview with China Daily, Cambodia ambassador to China Khek M Cai Mealy said that "Cambodia, as a chair country for the ASEAN meetings, will help coordinate ties between China and other ASEAN countries over the bilateral diplomatic and cooperation".

The ambassador also urged relevant ASEAN countries not let the South China Sea issue affect all fields of bilateral ties.