China's Vice-President Xi Jinping (L) speaks to students at a middle school in Bangkok, December 23, 2011.

BANGKOK - Visiting Chinese Vice-President Xi Jinping addressed a middle school in Bangkok Friday to reaffirm China's support for Thailand's post-flood rebuilding and recovery efforts.

Accompanied by Thai officials, including Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, Xi visited Rattanakosin Sompoch Bowonniwet Salaya School, which was hit by Thailand's worst flooding in 50 years.

At a photo exhibition, Xi was shown how the students and teachers built flood walls to protect their school and managed to have it reopened as soon as the floods receded.

Thai Minister of Science and Technology Plodprasop Suraswadi briefed Xi on the flooding situation and the government's efforts in combating floods, rescuing victims, and managing post-flood reconstruction.

Xi said the Chinese people sympathized with the sufferings of the Thai people during the floods, and have offered timely assistance to help relief efforts.

The Chinese people and the Thai people are one family. They share a traditional and long-lasting friendship, Xi said.

"We are glad that under the leadership of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, the Thai people have made concerted efforts to successfully overcome the severe disaster," Xi said.

The Vice-President said that at present, the Thai government is actively working on post-flood rebuilding through multiple state agencies, and the Chinese side is willing to actively support and participate in post-flood reconstruction as well as the planning and construction of relevant water conservation projects.

Yingluck thanked China for its valuable flood relief aid and Xi's current visit, saying they fully show the friendship between the two countries and testify to the notion that "China and Thailand are one family." She wished the continuous prosperity of the two countries, and the long-lasting friendship between the two peoples.

During the visit, three Senior 1 students told Xi about their experiences in the floods and how the school coped with it.

"I witnessed China's aid for Thailand to fight the floods and got a deeper understanding of the notion that 'China and Thailand are one family' which I learned in class," said a female student Sarapong Thamrongrojkarn.

Xi said China and Thailand are good neighbors and the friendship between the two peoples has a deep foundation. "Every time when either of us encounters any disaster or difficulties, we always come to help and support each other," he said.

Xi also encouraged the students to do better in learning the Chinese language and know more about China to advance the friendship between the two peoples.

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