Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao met his Thai counterpart Abhisit Vejjajiva on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit in Hua Hin, Thailand on Sunday.

China-Thailand relations have stood the test of time and the changing international situation and both sides should make best efforts to carry on, foster and enhance the brotherly friendship between the two peoples, Wen said.

Next year marks the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries and China is ready to work together with Thailand to boost exchanges at the top and other levels and further deepen bilateral strategic cooperation, the Chinese premier said.

Both sides should take full advantage of opportunities brought about by the launch of the future free trade area between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to expand exchanges and cooperation in various fields so as to bring China-Thailand ties to a higher level.

Wen expressed appreciation for the work Thailand has done in ensuring the success of these ASEAN-related summit meetings and said China is ready to join hands with Thailand to further advance China-ASEAN cooperation.

Wen also extended best wishes from President Hu Jintao and himself to Bhumibol Adulyadej, king of Thailand.

Abhisit expressed Thailand's hope to expand cooperation with China in trade, construction of infrastructure such as railway, and tourism.

Chinese enterprises are welcome to invest in Thailand, the prime minister said.

Thailand is also willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation with China in international and regional affairs and work for promoting ASEAN-China ties, he said.