|
BANGKOK, Oct. 27-- Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli attended the royal cremation ceremony of Thailand's late King Bhumibol Adulyadej here on Thursday as the special envoy of Chinese President Xi Jinping. During the ceremony, Zhang expressed to Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn the Chinese side's deep condolences and reverence to the late king and conveyed President Xi's best wishes to King Vajiralongkorn. On behalf of President Xi, Zhang invited King Vajiralongkorn to visit China at an early date after his coronation. King Vajiralongkorn appreciated Zhang's attendance of the cremation ceremony as President Xi's special envoy, saying that he has visited China for several times and he would like to visit China again in the future. King Bhumibol, who had reigned Thailand for 70 years since 1946, was the longest reigning monarch in the world. He died last October after he had been hospitalized for several years. He was succeeded by his only son King Maha Vajiralongkorn, who was named crown prince in 1972. On Friday morning, Zhang met with Thai Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak. Zhang said beloved late King Bhumibol Adulyadej had made great contribution to the development of Thailand and the improvement of livelihood of the Thai people. Hailing the late king as "a great friend of the Chinese people," Zhang said the traditional friendship between China and Thailand has deepened under the late king's support with bilateral cooperation forging ahead in various areas which brought concrete benefits to both countries and both peoples. | 
