国内英语新闻:Top Chinese legislator urges Chinese groups in Thailand to help promote bilateral ties

BANGKOK, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- Visiting top Chinese legislator Wu Bangguo on Thursday called on Chinese Thais and Chinese in Thailand to contribute more to bilateral friendly relations between China and Thailand at a welcome banquet held by Chinese groups here.

Wu, on behalf of the Chinese government and people, extended his sincere greetings and best wishes to Chinese in Thailand and Chinese Thais, saying he was impressed by the kinship-like relations between the two countries during his meetings with Thai government and parliament leaders.

Wu highly evaluated the contribution made by Chinese in Thailand and Chinese Thais to Thailand's economic prosperity and social development, China's modernization and peaceful unification, and China-Thailand good neighborliness and friendship, adding that the Chinese government and people will never forget that.

Wu Bangguo, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China, the country's top legislature, addresses an evening banquet held by overseas Chinese in Bangkok, capital of Thailand, Nov. 11, 2010.

"As long as we uphold the banner of socialism with Chinese characteristics, unswervingly go ahead along the road of socialism with Chinese characteristics, further implement the Scientific Concept of Development, further emancipate the mind, stick to the opening up and reform, push forward development in a scientific way, promote social harmony, China will be built into a modern socialist country in the end," the Chinese leader stressed.

Wu Hongfeng, chairman of the Chinese Chamber of commerce in Thailand, said Chinese in Thailand and Chinese Thais are proud of China's tremendous achievement in 30 years of opening up and reform as China has witnessed a rapid economic development, strongly boosted overall national strength and a rising role in international arena.

He said the top Chinese legislator's visit has enhanced the two countries' friendship, deepened their mutually beneficial cooperation and composed a new chapter in the Thailand-China friendly relationship.

Wu Bangguo arrived here on Wednesday for a four-day visit after wrapping up his visit to Indonesia. He also visited Cambodia before.