King Norodom Sihanouk returned to Cambodia Wednesday from medical treatment in Beijing with a vow to continue serving the nation as long as he is alive.
Emerging from the Southern China flight with Queen Norodom Monineath, the King looked fresh and steady as he greeted a host of government officials and international diplomats who turned out in the sweltering heat to greet the 78-year-old monarch.
King Sihanouk told journalists that Chinese doctors gave him excellent medical attention and that he was feeling in good health.
Although his illness is already very serious, King Sihanouk said he was still alive and therefore still capable of serving the nation.
“I have recovered a little bit. But, I already have the serious problem which they are trying to treat so that I can recover more,” he said.
“But I am still alive so I have honor and happiness to serve my beloved children,” he added.
King Sihanouk left Cambodia in late February for treatment in Beijing, where he regularly visits for health checkups related to diabetes and other ongoing health problems.
Sihanouk was diagnosed in 1993 with colon cancer, which has since gone into remission. He has also suffered two strokes.
The many dignitaries who turned out at Pochentong Airport Wednesday afternoon for the King were at the airport a few hours later for the return of Prime Minister Hun Sen from South Korea.
Returning from his first state visit to Seoul, where he met South Korea’s President Kim Dae Jung, Hun Sen said the Korean leader will visit Cambodia in 2002 when an Asean meeting is scheduled to take place here.
Hun Sen’s three-day visit to South Korea was the first since both countries established diplomatic relations in 1997. The Korea Times reported Wednesday that President Kim promised to consider a request for economic assistance made by Hun Sen during his trip.
