Chinese premier congratulates Samak on his election as Thai PM

BEIJING, Jan. 31 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao Thursday sent a message of congratulations to Samak Sundaravej on his election as Thailand's new prime minister.

"China and Thailand are good neighbors, good partners and good friends," Wen said in the message.

The all-around development of cooperation between China and Thailand in various fields has not only brought substantial benefits to the two nations and peoples, but also contributed to the regional peace, stability and prosperity, he added.

"I'm willing to work closely together with Your Excellency in maintaining and promoting the traditional friendship between China and Thailand, so as to push the two countries' strategic cooperation to a new high," said the Chinese premier.

Samak, a 72-year-old veteran politician, received 310 supporting votes from MPs in Thailand's parliament Monday, defeating his opponent Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva who won 163 votes. He officially received the PM post on Tuesday evening.