Chinese leaders offer condolences and sympathy on passing of Thai king

Chinese leaders offered their deep condolences over the passing of Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Thai people mourn late Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej in Bangkok October 13, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

President Xi Jinping sent a message of condolence on Thursday to Queen Sirikit following the announcement of the king's death.

In the name of the Chinese people and of himself, Xi extended his sincere sympathy to other members of the Thai royal family and the Thai people.

Xi said the passing of the king was a great loss for the peoples of Thailand and China and that he will live in the hearts of the two peoples forever.

China attaches great importance to developing its friendly ties with Thailand, Xi said.

His Majesty King Bhumibol was "a guide of the national development of Thailand and a promoter of China-Thailand friendship", Xi noted.

The development relationship between the two countries was linked to the great importance attached to ties and the personal efforts made by the king himself, Xi said.

With the king's personal care and promotion, as well as the common efforts by the two countries, the China-Thai friendship has flourished and "borne many fruits", Xi added.

China is willing to work with Thailand to build on past achievements and achieve new progress in bilateral relations, to consolidate the good neighborliness, and to deepen their mutually beneficial cooperation, to benefit the two countries and two peoples, Xi said.

Premier Li Keqiang also sent a message of condolence on Thursday to his Thai counterpart Prayut Chan-o-cha over the passing of King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

In the name of the Chinese government and people and in his personal name, the Premier expressed deep condolences over the passing of the king and extended his deep sympathy to the Thai government and people.

Li said that the king had whole-heartedly served and worked with diligence for the Thai people and was revered by them, and his passing was a great loss for the Thai people.

Li praised the king for being dedicated to the cause of China-Thai friendship.

The king was an enthusiastic advocate in the cause of the China-Thailand friendship and played an irreplaceable role in pioneering the birth and growth of such a relationship, Li said.

The Premier said China always cherishes the traditional friendship with Thailand and is willing to work with Thailand to carry on the tradition, deepen their comprehensive cooperation and push for greater development of bilateral ties.

Xinhua contributed to this story.