The chairman of China's top advisory body, Jia Qinglin, said in Beijing Monday that China will further expand friendly cooperation with Thailand.

 

Jia, Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), made the remarks during his meeting with Nipon Wisityuthasart, first deputy speaker of the Senate of the National Assembly of Thailand.

 

Jia called Thailand a "friendly neighbor, close friend and reliable partner" of China, highlighting that the two sides have actively promoted the strategic cooperation and expanded exchanges in political, economic, security, cultural, educational, scientific and technological fields.

 

Jia said that China and Thailand forged good coordination on many regional and international issues and especially in the campaigns against natural disasters such as tsunamis, the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), and the bird flu.

 

This is a typical model for the peaceful coexistence and cooperation with mutual benefit between China and its neighboring countries, Jia said.

 

He also expressed his appreciation to the Thai Senate's adherence to the one-China policy.

 

Jia highlighted that the close exchanges and cooperation between the CPPCC and the Thai Senate have become an important part of bilateral relations. He hopes exchanges and communication between the two special commissions and working departments could be further fostered to promote the China-Thailand friendly cooperation and increase the friendship between the two peoples.

 

The Thai Senate is ready to further the friendly exchanges and cooperation with the CPPCC, Nipon said, noting that his China tour would help him learn more about China's successful experience in economic construction.

 

Nipon reiterated that the Thai Senate would stick to its one-China policy, and hoped that China would achieve reunification with Taiwan at an early date.

 

(Xinhua News Agency February 28, 2006)