China regards Thailand as one of the most trusted partners in the Asian region, and supports Thailand to strengthen friendly exchanges with provinces in western China., top legislator Wu Bangguo said Wednesday.

Chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC)?Wu Bangguo?(R) shakes hands with President of the Thai National Assembly and Speaker of the House of Representatives Somsak Kitasuranont?(L)?in Chengdu, capital of southwest China's Sichuan province. [Xinhua]

Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC), made the remarks when meeting with visiting President of the Thai National Assembly and Speaker of the House of Representatives Somsak Kitasuranont in Chengdu, capital of southwest China's Sichuan province.

Somsak came to Chengdu to attend the 13th Western China International Fair.

Wu said that China and Thailand have stood the test of constant changes in international situations and maintained healthy and stable bilateral relationship in the past 37 years since establishing diplomatic relations. The two countries trust each other politically, and support each other on issues relating to each other's core interests.

To date, China has become Thailand's second largest trading partner, and Thailand is the second largest trading partner of China among the ASEAN countries.

Wu said that China is promoting the development of the Western regions, which has brought new opportunities to deepen practical cooperation between the two countries.

Wu said that NPC is willing to strengthen friendly exchanges and cooperation with the Thai National Assembly and the House of Representatives.

Somsak said that China plays an important role in promoting regional economic integration in Asia. Thailand attaches importance to developing strategic cooperation with China.