Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (R) shakes hands with Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej at the welcome ceremony held in Beijing, capital of China, June 30, 2008. (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    BEIJING, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Monday said he hoped China and Thailand would promote friendly exchanges and pragmatic cooperation.

    During talks with Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej, who is on a four-day official visit to China, Wen said China and Thailand had always supported each other and safeguarded their common interests since forging diplomatic ties 33 years ago.

    The assistance offered by Thailand to the Chinese people after the May 12 earthquake indicated the friendship between the two nations, Wen said.

    China was ready to work with Thailand to jointly deal with challenges, Wen said.

    He hoped the two nations would keep the momentum of high level visits to cement and expand mutual political trust, lift cooperation in economy, trade, investment, infrastructure, culture, education, health, agriculture and defense, and promote exchanges in youth and technical training.

    Wen also hoped China and Thailand would work together to push forward the China-ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) strategic partnership and safeguard the stable development of east Asia cooperation.

    Samak said the two nations had witnessed smooth cooperation in the past 33 years.

    Samak said Thailand would work with China to increase cooperation in economy, trade, education, agriculture, tourism, infrastructure construction, water resources application and defense areas, to push forward bilateral strategic cooperation.

    He said Thailand would keep close contact with China to contribute to the development of the China-ASEAN strategic partnership and east Asia cooperation.