Li Ruihuan, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), in a meeting Monday with Thai Princess Chulabhorn Mahidol, said the continued growth of Sino-Thai friendship and cooperation complies with the fundamental interests and common aspiration of the two peoples.

Li said that he visited Thailand in 1995 at the invitation of the Thai Senate, where he received a warm reception from Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the Thai government and people, adding that Sino-Thai relations have been close thanks to the efforts made by the king and royal family members, and China is grateful for that.

He said that the two countries are close neighbors, and their peoples have long-standing exchanges and deep friendship, and the two countries, both developing countries, are facing the same tasks of developing their respective economies and improving people's standards of living.

Moreover, they also share identical or similar views on many regional and global issues, Li said, who also asked the princess to convey his best wishes for the 73rd birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Chulabhorn Mahidol, who is visiting China at the invitation of the CPPCC National Committee, said that she was happy to be on her third visit to China, expressing thanks for the Chinese leaders' hospitality each time she visits China.

She added that during the visit, her research institution will sign a framework accord with China on joint research and production of cures for difficult diseases, saying that she is looking forward to strengthening such cooperation between the two countries in the years ahead.

(Xinhua 11/13/2000 )