The Chinese armed forces will make joint efforts with the Thai side to increase military exchanges, Minister of National Defense Cao Gangchuan said in Beijing Thursday.

 

"China and Thailand are close neighbors, good friends and trustworthy partners," Cao told a 69-member delegation from the Thai Defense College, which is here for a three-day annual visit.

 

China will reinforce the new comprehensive cooperation between the neighboring nations, Cao said.

 

"The two countries have constantly expanded their exchanges and cooperation in various fields and carried out sound coordination in international and regional issues since they forged diplomatic ties 31 years ago," Cao added.

 

The delegation is led by Pathompong Kesornsook, the commanding general of Thai National Defense Studies Institute. He said that friendly cooperation between the two countries and their militaries are to be further enhanced through joint efforts.

 

(Xinhua News Agency February 24, 2006)