PHNOM PENH - A Cambodian official praised China on Tuesday for releasing water to drought-hit Mekong countries.

Sry Thamarong, minister attached to Prime Minister Hun Sen, told reporters at Phnom Penh international airport, "Recently, due to drought, China has released water to the Mekong countries. This gesture has received deep admiration from the leaders of the Mekong countries."

The official accompanied Hun Sen on Tuesday departing for the first Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) leaders' meeting, to be held on March 23 in Sanya city of southern China's Hainan province, a senior official said.

The summit will bring together countries of China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam.