CPC official eyes closer ties with Thailand

China is ready to advance the all-round strategic and cooperative partnership with Thailand to a new level, a senior leader of the Communist Party of China(CPC) said here Monday.

Liu Yunshan, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, met with Abhisit Vejjajiva, former prime minister of Thailand in Beijing.

Abhisit is heading a delegation of the Democrat Party of Thailand on a visit to China.

Liu said China and Thailand share a history of friendly exchanges that goes back 1,000 years. He said bilateral relations enjoy a solid foundation and stable growth. He said the APEC meeting in Beijing injected fresh vigor into the economic growth of the Asia-Pacific region.

Noting that the two countries will celebrate the 40th anniversary of diplomatic links next year, Liu said the two sides should take this opportunity to further deepen bilateral ties and expand mutually beneficial cooperation in all areas.

Liu said the CPC is ready to step up exchanges with the Thai Democrat Party.

Abhisit said it's the common will of the Thai royal court, government, political parties and people to deepen friendly cooperation with China. He said the Belt and Road Initiatives and the Asia-Pacific Free Trade Area that China advocates will provide important opportunities for Thailand and other countries. He expressed the willingness to actively promote practical cooperation between the two countries.