PHNOM PENH - The king of Malaysia arrived here today for a three-day visit to Cambodia aimed at boosting bilateral relations between the two kingdoms, Malaysian and Cambodian officials said.

Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin and his wife Tengku Fauziah Tengku Abdul Rashid were accorded an honour guard and red carpet reception for their arrival at Cambodia's Pochentong airport.

The Malaysian royals were greeted by Cambodia's King Sihanouk and Queen Monineath.

"Their visit would strengthen further good relationship between the kingdom of Cambodia and Malaysia," said AH Anuar, Malaysian ambassador to Cambodia.

Several thousand wellwishers lined the streets of the Cambodian capital to greet the royal Malaysian couple with Cambodian and Malaysian flags and banners.

They were escorted by to Cambodia's royal palace as personal guests of King Sihanouk and Queen Monineath.

Visiting Angkor Vat

During their stay, King Sirajuddin will have a courtesy call with King Sihanouk, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, National Assembly chairman Prince Norodom Ranariddh and senate president Chea Sim, officials said.

King Sirajuddin and his wife, who arrived from a five-day visit to Vietnam, will fly to Cambodia's ancient capital of Siem Reap Wednesday where they will visit the world famous Angkor Wat temple before returning to Malaysia, officials said.

The 59-year-old was installed as Malaysia's 12th monarch in April this year.

Constitutionally the position of king is rotated every five years among the traditional Malay rulers of the nine states. The previous monarch died of heart failure in November 2001.

Malaysia has enjoyed good relations with Cambodia and the royal couples from both coutries have exchanged visits regularly since 1996. Malaysia is also one of the biggest investors in Cambodia. AFP