He stated that King Norodom Sihanouk was a close friend of Indonesia and was one of the key Cambodian figures who had helped improve cooperation between the two countries.
"He is well known among Indonesians as a leader who significantly contributed to the progress of Cambodia. He was also known as a true statesman who united the country and played an important role in its development," President Yudhoyono said in a press release here on Monday.
He also expressed condolences on behalf of the nation.
"On behalf of the Indonesian government and people, I would like to express my condolences over the death of the great Cambodian leader. I have also sent a letter to King Norodom Sihamoni and PM Hun Sen," the President added.
"Although I will not be able to attend the funeral of King Norodom Sihanouk, I am scheduled to visit Cambodia next month to meet Prime Minister Hun Sen and King Norodom Sihamonu, as well as to attend the ASEAN and East Asia summits," he explained.
Sihanouk, whose life encompassed turbulent years of rule, exile and war, including the Khmer Rouge reign of terror, died of a heart attack on Monday in Beijing.
He had fought a long battle with health problems during his final years, including cancer, diabetes and heart complications. (INE/F013/BSR/YH)
Editor: Kunto Wibisono
Copyright © ANTARA 2012
