Cambodian King flies to Japan for World Buddhist Summit

The King Sihamoni is seen here with Japan's Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko during his pfficial visit to Japan in May 2010.

PHNOM PENH, Dec. 8 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni left here on Monday for Japan to attend the opening ceremony of the 6th World Buddhist Summit.

At the Phnom Penh International Airport, Sihamoni, 61, was seen off by National Assembly President Heng Samrin, Prime Minister Hun Sen and members of the Senate, the National Assembly, the government as well as royal family members.

In a royal message broadcast on the state-run National Television of Cambodia on Sunday, the king said"I will be absent from the country on Dec. 8 and 9 to attend the opening ceremony of the 6th World Buddhist Summit in Japan." "During my absence, Chea Sim, president of the Senate, will assume the title of the acting head of state,"he said.