Military officials from China and Thailand pledged to further advance bilateral military ties?in Beijing?on Monday.

Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie met with Kamthorn Phumpirun, the commander of the Royal Thai Navy Monday morning, and both sides expressed the hope to push forward the relationship between the two countries and two militaries.

Liang said, the years after China and Thailand forged diplomatic ties have witnessed the unprecedented development of bilateral relations and friendly cooperation in areas of politics, economy, military, culture and science and technology.

The two countries have maintained sound coordination and cooperation on major international and regional issues. And China appreciated Thailand's consistent support to and coordination with it on issues concerning China's core interests, Liang said.

The armed forces of China and Thailand have conducted productive cooperation and exchanges in defense and training, said Liang, adding that China is willing to work with Thailand for the in-depth and comprehensive development of their military ties.

Kamthorn Phumpirun said that the armed forces of Thailand and China have made important contribution to safeguarding the regional peace and stability. Thai armed forces would like to make joint efforts with the Chinese armed forces to further advance their relations.