BANGKOK, Oct. 22 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao paid his last respects to late Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej on Saturday as a special envoy of Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Li laid a white wreath and signed a condolences book to pay tribute to the late king on behalf of the Chinese government and the Chinese people at the Grand Palace where the late king's body lies in state.
When meeting with Thai Deputy Prime Minister Narong Pipatanasai, Li said the two countries could not have enjoyed the sustained and healthy development of bilateral ties without the long-term support of the late king and the Thai royal family, and further pushing forward the development of the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries with concerted efforts is the best way to mourn the late king.
"China attaches great importance to developing relations with Thailand and values the friendship with the Thai royal family. China believes that Sino-Thai friendship will be passed down from generation to generation."
Li said China is willing to work with Thailand to pass on the friendship, enhance mutual trust and promote cooperation so as to further benefit the two countries and the two peoples.
For his part, Narong thanked Li for coming to Bangkok to pay his respects to the late king as a special envoy of Chinese President Xi, which shows the profound friendship between the two countries.
"The Thai royal family pays frequent visits to China, has deep feelings for China and will inherit the behest of the late king to push forward the further development of the friendly ties between the two countries."
He added that Thailand is also willing to work with China to further develop the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two sides so as to score new achievements.
King Bhumibol passed away on Oct. 13 at the age of 88.