Norodom Sihanouk, called father of the Cambodian nation, was a close friend of the Korean people and a prominent international statesman, who made big contributions to developing the traditional friendly and cooperative relations between the DPRK and Cambodia and the Non-Aligned Movement and realizing the cause of global independence.

President Kim Il Sung in his lifetime cared so much for his life with a strong sense of comradely obligation, irrespective of ideology, political view and religious belief.

Since he met Norodom Sihanouk for the first time in April Juche 54 (1965) during his foreign tour, the President had supported and encouraged him invariably for scores of years, whose life was interwoven with turns and twists.

When Norodom Sihanouk was ousted from power due to the military coup manipulated by the United States, the President invited him to the DPRK and took warm care of him during his stay, frequently meeting him to discuss ways to tide over the crisis prevalent in Cambodia.

After Cambodia won victory in a national resistance against the U.S., Norodom Sihanouk returned to his homeland but was exiled later.

At that time, too, Kim Il Sung encouraged him in the efforts to retake his legitimate position in the homeland as soon as possible.

In his lifetime the President said relationship between him and Sihanouk had long been brotherhood since the latter took office in Cambodia, adding that he would always remain a friend of the king, whatever he may be.

He met Sihanouk on hundreds of occasions, doing good things for him as much as possible.

That is why Great King Norodom Sihanouk said President Kim Il Sung was a benefactor of his life as well as his father, who had supported and taken care of him until the last days of his life.