Thailand's Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont met in Bangkok on Monday with Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan, who is visiting Thailand for the celebrations of the Thai King's birthday.

Surayud said that Thailand and China enjoy a good relationship and bilateral cooperation which is developing smoothly in a variety of areas.

Thailand is looking forward to strengthen this bilateral relations, which will bring more material benefits to both peoples, as well as to the region, he said.

Surayud also emphasized that Thailand understands China's stance on the Taiwan issue and will uphold the "one-China" policy.

General Cao Gangchuan, also vice chairman of the Central Military Commission of the People's Republic of China and a state councilor, said that Thailand is the good neighbor, good friend and good partner of China. In the past 32 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Thailand and China, the two countries and two peoples have established friendly relations marked by mutual trust, mutual understanding and mutual support.

The Chinese general, who arrived in Bangkok Friday, on Sunday attended the Royal Parade, the centerpiece of the grand celebrations for the 80th Birthday of Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

(Xinhua News Agency December 3, 2007)