'China, Thailand as close as one family' a unique advantage of bilateral ties, says Chinese premier

BANGKOK -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Saturday that "China and Thailand are as close as one family" is a unique advantage of bilateral relations, as reflected in the practical achievements across various fields.

Li made the remarks during his meeting with Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn in Bangkok.

Conveying cordial greetings from Chinese President Xi Jinping to the king, Li said that during the king's state visit to China last year, Xi held talks with him, and the two sides reached important consensus on advancing the building of a China-Thailand community with a shared future.

China appreciates that the Thai royal family has long attached great importance to and remained committed to promoting China-Thailand friendship, Li said.

He noted that the continued growth of China-Thailand economic and trade cooperation despite headwinds is particularly commendable amid the current turbulent international situation.

Li said that China stands ready to work with Thailand, under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, to maintain close exchanges, expand cooperation in investment, technological innovation, new energy vehicles and other areas, deepen people-to-people exchanges, and promote economic and social development in both countries for the greater well-being of their peoples.

The Thai king asked Li to convey his sincere greetings and best wishes to President Xi. Recalling his state visit to China last year, the king said that the successful meeting with Xi was fruitful and remained fresh in his memory.

Li's official visit to Thailand would help further consolidate the traditional friendship between Thailand and China and deepen practical cooperation between the two countries, the king said.