PHNOM PENH, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia on Tuesday broke ground for the construction of a new building in the China-Cambodia Friendship Preah Kossamak Hospital in Phnom Penh.

Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Yim Chhay Ly, Cambodian Health Minister Mam Bunheng and Chinese Embassy to Cambodia's Economic and Commercial Counsellor Li An presided over the ceremony.

Yim Chhay Ly said that this hospital will become a new modern hospital which has high-technology medical equipment.

"This achievement will help to provide high efficiency of health service for the Cambodian people," he said.

He added that the ground breaking is at the same time when both countries celebrated the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

"China is a good friend of Cambodia in all circumstances. All the aid from China not only contributes to the development, but also helps to strengthen ownership and independence of Cambodia," Yim Chhay Ly said.

The 11-floor building with 400 beds is expected to be completed in 40 months.

Li An said that the health sector is significant in Cambodia. So far, the Chinese government has granted aid, and sent its medical personnel to provide health check, treatment for the Cambodian people and children which suffered from congenital heart disease.

"All these projects have brought the Chinese people's kindness and friendship to the Cambodian people," Li An said.

The Preah Kossamak Hopsital in Phnom Penh is one of the oldest hospitals in Cambodia. The hospital has been renamed the China-Cambodia Friendship Preah Kossamak Hospital.