Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulation message to Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn on Saturday on his coronation.

In his message, Xi said he extends sincere congratulations and good wishes to the king and the Thai people on behalf of the Chinese government and the Chinese people and in his own name.

"As an old friend of the Chinese people, you have shown continuous interest in and support for the advancement of China-Thailand friendship," Xi noted, adding that he highly values the development of the bilateral ties.

The Chinese president said he is willing to make joint efforts with the Thai king to promote the traditional friendship between China and Thailand, deepen cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, and further develop the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries.

Xi wished prosperity for Thailand and happy and healthy lives for the Thai people.

King Vajiralongkorn ascended to the Thai throne in October 2016, becoming King Rama X. His three-day coronation ceremony started in Bangkok on Saturday.

(Cover: People hold images of Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn during his coronation in Bangkok, Thailand, May 4, 2019. /Reuters Photo)