The king of Thailand will pay a state visit to China, the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced on Thursday.

"At the invitation of President Xi Jinping, His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua of the Kingdom of Thailand will pay a state visit to China from November 13 to 17," the ministry said in a statement on its website.

Speaking at a regular press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said President Xi and Premier Li Qiang will meet with the king separately.

Mao said this is the king of Thailand's first visit to China since the two countries established diplomatic ties, and that China is the first major country King Maha Vajiralongkorn has officially visited. She said the trip fully demonstrates the great importance both sides attach to growing bilateral ties, and reflects the close, friendly ties between China and Thailand as a part of a community with a shared future.

In recent years, under the strategic guidance of leaders of the two countries, bilateral relations have maintained robust development, she said, noting that "the two countries, like one family, are as close as ever."

This year marks the 50th anniversary of China-Thailand diplomatic relations and "the Golden Jubilee of China-Thailand Friendship," Mao said, adding that bilateral relations offer new opportunities for development.

China looks forward to carrying forward the traditional friendship, consolidating political mutual trust, deepening mutually beneficial cooperation, achieving greater progress in building the China-Thailand community with a shared future, delivering more tangible benefits for the two peoples, and contributing to peace, stability, development and prosperity in the region, said the spokesperson.