BEIJING, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao met here Friday with Thai Prime Minster Thaksin Shinawatra, in China to attend the Third International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP).

  China and Thailand have a long history of friendship, said Hu, who is also the general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee.

  Sino-Thai relations have developed rapidly over the years, with frequent exchanges of visits by leaders from both countries, enhancement of political trust between the two countries and development of all-around cooperation, he said.

  "We are willing to make joint efforts with Thailand to advance the all-around China-Thailand relationship to a higher level, based on the principle of treating neighbors as friends and partners," Hu said. 

  The Chinese president thanked Thaksin for his attendance at the parties' conference as the president of Thai Rak Thai party as well as his support of China's full market economy status, and on issues of Taiwan and human rights.

  Political parties in both countries should cooperate in various ways to promote the relationship, he said.

  Thaksin said Thailand and China have not only boosted their traditional friendship, but have also contributed to cooperation between other Asian countries and the common development in the region.

  He said he had confidence in the future development of Thailand-China relations. 

  More than 80 political parties or organizations from 34 Asian countries are gathered at the three-day ICAPP, which opened Friday morning in Beijing.

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