Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra on Friday spoke highly of the Sino-Thai relations, saying close strategic relationship has been forged between the two countries.

During his meeting with Xiong Guangkai, deputy chief of the general staff of China's People's Liberation Army, Thaksin said Thailand and China have maintained a friendly and sincere relationship. Mutual support and cooperation have been conducted between the two sides in dealing with international and regional issues, he added.

At the Third Sino-Thai Security Consultative Conference, which was held Friday afternoon and co-chaired by Xiong and General Oud Buangdon, permanent secretary for defense of the Thai Defense Ministry, the two parties conducted in-depth discussions. They reached a consensus on issues of common concern, including the international and regional security situation, national defense, and relations between the two countries and the two armies.

Xiong expressed the hope that the two armies could further expand cooperation and exchanges.

He thanked Thailand for its adherence to the One China policy.

During his two-day visit, Xiong also held separate talks with Deputy Prime Minister Gen. Chavalit Yongchaiyudh and Defense Minister Ben. Samphan Boonyanan.