BOCA RATON, Florida, Oct 18 (AFP) - US President George W. Bush Monday congratulated Cambodia's new king Norodom Sihamoni on assuming the throne, his spokesman said.
"The United States looks forward to supporting King Sihamoni as he carries out his important work on behalf of the Cambodian people," White House spokesman Scott McClellan said in a statement.
"We also wish to salute former King Norodom Sihanouk for his tireless service to and sacrifices for his country over the past half century. Cambodia is an important friend of the United States.
"We wish the members of the royal family and all Cambodians health and happiness on this historic occasion," he said.
Sihamoni, a former classical ballet dancer, choreographer and film-maker, was chosen in a unanimous vote by a throne council, in line with the wishes of his ailing 81-year-old father.
The new king was said to be reluctant to take the symbolic but revered post, after his father Norodom Sihanouk abdicated two weeks ago.
The aging former king had held the throne on and off for more than 60 years and has spent most of his time in Beijing since going into self-imposed exile in January.
Sihamoni's coronation ceremony is set for October 29.