China stands ready to join efforts with Thailand to continuously push forward the existing all-round Sino-Thai friendly relations of cooperation and good-neighborliness, visiting Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan said in Bangkok.  

"China and Thailand have developed their bilateral relations in a way of mutual respect, mutual trust and mutual help," said Cao when meeting with his Thai counterpart Chettha Thanajaro Wednesday.

The Sino-Thai friendship has developed in all sectors including the military area, which is to the interests of both peoples, he added.

"The defense establishments and militaries of the two countries have had close interaction and cooperation and made positive contribution toward maintaining regional peace and development," said the Chinese defense minister, who is also vice chairman of the Central Military Commission and state councilor.

Thailand has long seen China as a reliable friend and cooperation partner, said Chettha, who had invited Cao to have an official good will visit to Thailand.

Cao is the first foreign defense minister visiting Thailand since Chettha took office earlier this month, showing the good relations between the two countries and militaries, according to the Thai defense minister.

He said the two sides would work together as always to improve relations between the two militaries.

Cao arrived in Bangkok early Wednesday. Thailand is the last leg of his trip to Asian countries including India, Pakistan and Thailand. He will end his visit to Thailand on Saturday.

(Xinhua News Agency April 1, 2004)