China cherishes a "special friendship" with the Cambodian royal family, President Xi Jinping said on Thursday while meeting with Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni.

The traditional China-Cambodia friendship is cultivated by generations of leaders including Chinese late chairman Mao Zedong and former premier Zhou Enlai and late Cambodian King Father Norodom Sihanouk, Xi said.

The Chinese president is paying a state visit to Cambodia from Thursday to Friday. It's Xi's first visit to Cambodia since becoming China's top leader in late 2012.

China would like to work together with Cambodia to achieve joint development, Xi said, adding that China will always be good friends and a partner to Cambodia.

On behalf of the Cambodian royal family, government and people, Sihamoni expressed a warm welcome toward President Xi.

The Cambodian king expressed gratitude toward the Chinese government and people for the long-lasting friendship with the Cambodian royal family and the support for Cambodian social and economic development.

Xi's visit aims to deepen the solid relationship between the two countries and yield more results of cooperation, Sihamoni said.

The Cambodian king hosted a welcome ceremony in the palace ahead of the discussions. Tens of thousands of local people gathered in the streets and square in front of the palace, holding the two countries' national flags, portraits of leaders and flowers to welcome the Chinese delegation.