BEIJING, Oct. 22 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie said Thursday that China and Thailand will expand and deepen bilateral strategic cooperation and make joint efforts for mutual benefits and common development.

    Liang made the remarks while meeting Thailand's permanent secretary for defense Apichart Penkitti, who is in Beijing for the eighth Sino-Thai defense and security consultation.

    Liang said that China and Thailand share long-term friendship, which has become the treasure for the people of the two countries.

    Since China and Thailand forged diplomatic ties, their cooperation in almost all fields has brought about tangible benefits to their people, said Liang, adding that the two countries have kept close communication and coordination in international and regional affairs.

    Traditional friendship of the two armed forces has been continuously strengthened with fruitful military cooperation, Liang said.

    Apichart said that Thailand would continue to promote its friendly relations with China and work with China to deepen the friendship and cooperation of the two armed forces.

    The two armed forces set up the annual defense and security consultation mechanism in 2001.