Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), met in Beijing Wednesday with visiting Senate Speaker Manoonkrit Roopkachorn of Thailand.  

Jia said that the friendship between China and Thailand had a long tradition. The two countries were always good neighbors and partners.

Jia praised Thailand for its sincere support to the Chinese when they were fighting severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).

He said the Chinese side would continue pushing forward the bilateral friendship.

Jia said the exchange and cooperation between the CPPCC National Committee and the Thai Senate benefited the two peoples.

Manoonkrit said he admired the stunning achievement made by the Chinese in economic development. The first manned space mission by a Chinese astronaut was also extraordinarily successful.

China's rapid development provided opportunities for Thai investors, he said, and he was willing to see closer business ties between the two countries.

(Xinhua News Agency December 18, 2003)