The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) is looking for more extensive and effective cooperation with the Thai armed forces, said Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan in Beijing on Monday.

 

Cao made the remarks in a meeting with former Thai Prime Minister and Defense Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh on Monday evening.

 

Cao, also vice chairman of the Central Military Commission and a State Councilor, said China and Thailand have been sincere and trustworthy to each other throughout the past 31 years since the two established diplomatic ties.

 

He said China and Thailand enjoy good-neighborly relationship featuring mutual trust and cooperation, adding that such relationship is "a role model" in all state-to-state relations between China and its neighbors.

 

Cao thanked Chavalit in particular for the latter's contribution to developing the friendship between the two nations and the two armed forces.

 

Chavalit said Thailand and China are amicable neighbors with traditional friendship and cooperation. He hoped the two sides can strengthen bilateral exchanges at various levels so as to further the ties between the two countries and the two armed forces.

 

(Xinhua News Agency January 17, 2006)