China is ready to enhance cooperation with Thailand in the construction of the China-ASEAN free trade area, and the cooperation in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) to promote regional economic development, Chinese Vice Premier Huang Ju said in Beijing Friday.

During a meeting with visiting Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, Huang said China and Thailand, as close neighbors, enjoy a traditional friendship based on blood ties and similar cultural background. Since the establishment of Sino-Thai diplomatic ties, the two countries sincerely treat each other and trust each other despite changes in the international situation.

Sino-Thai relations serve as an example for building friendship between China and its neighboring countries, Huang said.

The Chinese government highly values Sino-Thai relations, and is ready to work with Thailand to upgrade bilateral cooperation, and make the two countries "good neighbors, friends, partners and brothers forever," he said.

To further expand Sino-Thai trade and economic cooperation, Huang suggested the two countries facilitate the trade of high-value added products such as machinery, electronics, and high-tech products. The two countries should also encourage mutual investment and develop more large-scale cooperation projects.

On tourism cooperation, Huang said China will continue to offer possible assistance to help the restoration of Thailand's tourism industry, which suffered from last December's massive tsunami.

Thaksin said the two countries enjoy very close relations as brothers. The Thai government and people treasure its traditional friendship with China, and are ready to take the opportunity of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties to expand bilateral win-win cooperation, and promote the development of Thailand-China strategic cooperation.

Source: Xinhua