French National Assembly vice-president Sylvain Waserman wishes to strengthen and expand diplomacy and cooperation with the Cambodian National Assembly, a statement issued on Monday said.

Sylvain Waserman is paying a six-day official visit to Cambodia from December 15-20.

The statement said during a morning meeting with National Assembly president Heng Samrin, Waserman said the aim of his visit is to bolster ties and cooperation between Cambodia and France, especially diplomatic relations between the two legislative bodies.

“His Excellency Sylvain Waserman highlighted that [his] visit on this occasion is made for the purpose of strengthening and expanding diplomatic relations with the Cambodian National Assembly."

“His Excellency expressed high appreciation for the cooperation and ties between Cambodia and France. The bond is close, confident and open. This good bond has promoted many projects and benefits for France and Cambodia,” the statement read.

The two countries have exchanged visits to each other’s executive and legislative branches over the years, it added.