On December 23, 2011, visiting Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping met with Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, representative of King of Thailand in the Thai royal palace.
Xi first of all conveyed the sincere greetings and good wishes of President Hu Jintao and his wife to King Bhumibol Adulyadej and his wife. He said that King Bhumibol and the Thai royal family have been committed to China-Thailand friendship and made great contributions to the progress of bilateral relations. Princess Sirindhorn herself has done a lot for China-Thailand friendship. She has paid 33 visits to China over the past 30 years with footprint covering all over the country. Through various means, she has introduced China's history, culture and latest development to the Thai people and donated generously to China's Hope Project and the areas hit by the Wenchuan earthquake. We appreciate the major contributions made by the Thai royal family and Princess Sirindhorn to enhancing China-Thailand friendship and welcome the visit of Thai royal family members to China.
He noted that China-Thailand relations have developed healthily and steadily in recent years. The two sides have deepened political mutual trust, strengthened high-level visits and stepped up people-to-people exchanges. The bilateral friendly cooperation covers various areas of trade, economy, culture, education, science, technology and health. The two countries maintain sound coordination and collaboration in regional and international affairs. In particular, when major disaster occurs, people of both countries always help and support each other, reflecting the friendly sentiment that "China and Thailand are kith and kin". He noted that China always views Thailand as a trustworthy friend and partner. No matter how the situation changes, the Chinese policy of developing friendship with Thailand will remain unchanged. He believes the bilateral relations will step to a higher level with the joint efforts of both sides.
Sirindhorn first of all expressed warm welcome to Xi on behalf of King Bhumibol. She said that the Chinese people extended timely and generous assistance when Thailand suffered serious flood not long ago. Vice President Xi especially visited school in the disaster-hit area this time, fully demonstrating the friendship of the Chinese people. After Wenchuan was hit by the earthquake, the Thai fishermen who once received assistance from China during the Pacific tsunami disaster spontaneously made donations, embodying the friendly feeling between the Thai and Chinese people who share weal and woe and help each other. She recalled joyously her more than 30 visits to China and pointed out that Thailand-China friendship has been deeply rooted in the heart of people. More and more Thai people are learning Chinese nowadays. The two countries should step up exchanges and cooperation on education and culture in order to carry forward Thailand-China friendship from generation to generation.