国内英语新闻:China's top political advisor meets Thai princess

BEIJING, April 4 (Xinhua) -- China's top political advisor Jia Qinglin met visiting Thai Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhom in Beijing Sunday.

Jia, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee, hailed the friendship between the two countries and the development of bilateral ties since diplomatic relations were forged in 1975.

During the 40-min meeting in the Great Hall of the People, Sirindhom spoke highly of China's economic and social development, pledging to further promote bilateral ties.

In a separate meeting with Sirindhom Sunday evening, Chinese State Councilor Liu Yandong thanked Sirindhom for her donation of 10 million yuan (1.5 million U.S. dollars), which was used to rebuild an elementary school in earthquake-hit Sichuan Province.

Jia Qinglin(R),chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference,meets with Thai Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhom in Beijing,capital of China,April 4,2010 0.

Sirindhom is expected to attend the inauguration of the school after her stay in Beijing.

Since 1981, Sirindhom has visited China for more than 30 times. She is also interested in Chinese language and culture, and, in December last year, was named among the top 10 international friends who "made exceptional contributions" to China over the past 100 years.