Chinese President Hu Jintao (R) shakes hands with Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, July 1, 2008. Samak arrived in Beijing on Monday for a four-day official visit to China.(Xinhua/Gao Jie)

Chinese President Hu Jintao said on Tuesday that China was ready to work with Thailand to expand and deepen strategic cooperation.

Hu told Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej during their meeting that China values relations with Thailand and unswervingly seeks to push forward China-Thailand friendship and cooperation.

China and Thailand, as good neighbors and partners, have witnessed the constant growth of bilateral relations since forging diplomatic ties 33 years ago. The development of China-Thailand relations is always in the front rank of relations between China and other neighboring nations, Hu noted.

Hu spoke highly of Thailand's priority in developing relations with China, and applauded Thailand's support of China in some major issues concerning Taiwan, Tibet and the Beijing Olympic Games.

China would make joint efforts with Thailand to achieve win-win results and common development, the president said.

Samak said the two nations had enjoyed comprehensive development of their bilateral relations in the past 33 years. Thailand always adheres to the one-China policy, he noted.

Samak expressed appreciation for China's capacity to cope with disaster, believing that the Chinese people in the earthquake-hit region would be sure to overcome difficulties and rebuild their homes.

The Beijing Olympic Games is a grand event for the people of Asia and the world at large. Thailand opposes politicizing the Olympics and wishes success for the Games, Samak said.

He said Thailand would work with China to increase cooperation and push forward the growth of bilateral relations.

(Xinhua News Agency July 2, 2008)