Chinese President Xi Jinping Thursday sent a message of condolences to Queen Sirikit of Thailand over the passing of King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

In the name of the Chinese people and himself, Xi expressed deep condolences over the passing of King Bhumibol and extended his sincere sympathy to other members of the Thai Royal Family and the Thai people.

Xi said that His Majesty King Bhumibol was the guide of the national development of Thailand and a promoter of China-Thailand friendship.

Such a good relationship between the two countries today was directly linked with the great importance and personal efforts made by King Bhumibol himself, said Xi.

Xi added that with the king's personal care and promotion, as well as the common efforts by the two countries, the Sino-Thai friendship has borne many fruits.

Xi said the passing of the king is a great loss for the peoples of Thailand and China and that he will live in the hearts of the two peoples forever.

Xi said that China pays great importance to developing its friendly ties with Thailand.

China is willing to work with Thailand to build on past achievements and make new progress in the bilateral relations, to consolidate the good neighborliness, and to deepen their mutually beneficial cooperation, so as to benefit the two countries and two peoples, Xi said.