BEIJING - Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Saturday sent a congratulatory message to Maris Sangiampongsa on his reappointment as Thailand's foreign minister.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said in his message that China and Thailand are close and friendly neighbors, and that "China and Thailand are one family" is deeply rooted in the hearts of the people.

ALSO READ: China, Thailand to deepen marine scientific, technological cooperation

In recent years, under the strategic guidance of the leaders of the two countries, the construction of a community with a shared future between China and Thailand has made continuous positive progress, he added.

READ MORE: China, Thailand to hold joint air exercise

Wang noted that as next year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Thailand, it will usher in new development opportunities for their bilateral relationship.

READ MORE: China extradites suspect of 100-billion-yuan financial crime from Thailand

China sees the development of China-Thailand relations as a priority in its neighboring diplomacy, and is willing to work with Thailand to further implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries and promote the construction of a community with a shared future to go deeper and be more practical, he said.