China and Cambodia on Saturday pledged to advance their already close ties, vowing to double their trade by 2017.

The two countries also signed a couple of cooperation documents in trade and infrastructure sectors as Chinese President Hu Jintao paid a state visit to the country.

It's the first time since 2000 that a Chinese head of the state has visited the country, which has enjoyed a "generation of friendship" hailed by both nations on Saturday.

Meeting with Cambodia's King Norodom Sihamoni, Hu said China cherishes the traditional ties between China and Cambodia and will advance strategic cooperation between the two countries to benefit the two peoples.

The king extended a warm welcome to Hu on behalf of his parents, King-Father Norodom Sihanouk and Queen-Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk. The king said Hu's visit is historically significant for Cambodia, which "always holds China as its closest friend".

President Hu Jintao meets Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on Saturday in Phnom Penh. Wang Ye / Xinhua