Mr Khai (right) was given an official welcome

Vietnamese Prime Minister Phan Van Khai has begun a visit to Cambodia - the first such visit since a controversial border agreement was signed in October.

The deal led to protests from activists in Cambodia who accused Prime Minister Hun Sen of giving away land to the country's more powerful neighbour.

During the two-day visit, the two sides are expected to sign trade and other agreements.

Mr Khai is expected to meet Hun Sen and King Norodom Sihamoni, among others.

"This visit is to strengthen the bond of friendship and co-operation between the two countries," Cambodia Foreign Minister Hor Namhong told reporters at the airport.

After a border pact was signed between the two nations last October, a number of critics accused Hun Sen of ceding Cambodian land to Vietnam.

Hun Sen sued them for defamation, but dropped the lawsuits earlier this year after strong international condemnation.