BANGKOK - Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping arrived in Bangkok Thursday to start a three-day official visit to Thailand at the invitation of the Thai government.

In a written statement delivered at the airport, Xi said China and Thailand are good neighbors, partners, friends and relatives who enjoy a longstanding friendship.

Since the forging of diplomatic ties between China and Thailand 36 years ago, Chinese-Thai relations have continued to develop in a healthy and stable manner under the aegis of the two countries' top leaders and through the concerted efforts of the two peoples, Xi said.

The two sides have gradually expanded cooperation in such areas as politics, economy and culture, and maintained close coordination in regional and international issues, Xi said.

"It has been proved that the development of China-Thailand ties has brought pragmatic benefits to the two peoples and made important contributions to the regional peace and development," the Chinese vice president said.

"My visit is aimed at consolidating bilateral good-neighborliness, enhancing strategic mutual trust and advancing pragmatic cooperation," he said.

In Thailand, Xi will meet with Thai Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and heads of the Privy Council and National Assembly of Thailand.

Xi said he hoped his current visit will contribute to further promoting the traditional friendship and strategic cooperation between China and Thailand.

Thailand is the second and last stop of Xi's ongoing Asia tour. He just concluded an official visit to Vietnam.