Wen urges China, Thailand to pass on friendship

BANGKOK, Nov. 21 (Xinhua) -- Premier Wen Jiabao said Wednesday that China is willing to join Thailand in passing on their friendship.

Wen made the pledge at a meeting with Thailand's Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda in Bangkok.

China and Thailand are good neighbors and have always treated each other as equals and with mutual respect, and helped each other at difficult times, said Wen.

He said the establishment of comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation between the two countries this year has promoted political and economic cooperation as well as people-to-people and cultural exchanges.

The Chinese premier also commended Prem's contribution to the development of China-Thailand ties.

Prem said China has provided valuable assistance when Thailand was flooded last year, adding that his country will firmly work with China to promote cooperation.

Earlier, Wen held talks with Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on bilateral friendly ties. He arrived here Tuesday night for an official visit to the country.