Former Deputy Prime Minister and President of Thai-Chinese Cultural Relationship Council Pinit Jarusombat (left) poses for a photo in Bangkok, Thailand on Sept 22. [Photo by Feng Minghui/China Daily]

In your opinion, what could cultural and humanitarian exchanges, as well as people-to-people exchanges, do to help promoting ties between two countries?

Cultural exchanges between China and Thailand are very significant and mutually beneficial. We have many similarities, in culture, art, food and traditions. China and Thailand have always maintained a close relationship, and that dates back to before the founding of New China. Tens of thousands, sometimes more than one hundred thousand Thais return to China to pay respects to their ancestors each year. Furthermore, Thailand probably witnesses the biggest Spring Festival celebration in scale outside of China.

Many Thais are taking the opportunity to learn Chinese. Our council has obtained a designated scholarship from the Chinese government to provide opportunities for civil servants to study in China. We received 106 applications and chose 30 finalists. More and more Chinese visitors are choosing Thailand as their travel destination -- we receive 10 million strong annually -- hence the increased importance of knowing Chinese. Officials at immigration find it helpful to know some Chinese. Private enterprises, hotels and restaurants also need staff that can speak Chinese so they can communicate with Chinese customers. Enthusiasm for learning Chinese in Thailand is growing rapidly. Many would say it is impossible to do business without knowing Chinese.

We also cooperate in the field of art, as many of our art troupes and artists cooperate with one another. I myself often lead a delegation to its counterparts in Shanghai and Beijing.

China has always emphasized sharing. The Belt and Road Initiative is designed to share the fruit of development with people of the world, help one another in times of need, cut back differences and eliminate conflict. With this backdrop, there will be more chances for exchange, and in my opinion this is the most noble form of culture.

Do you have any comments for China and the Chinese people on the 70th anniversary?

I hope China and Thailand can stand next to each other and develop hand-in-hand. I also hope the two countries can continue to have sincere dialogues and maintain a friendship as close as brothers. It has always been like this in the past.

This is an important year. I wish for continued prosperity for China, and happiness and health for the Chinese people and Chinese leaders. Lastly I hope China can continue to remain in close friendship with Thailand, as well as Southeast Asian countries. China and Thailand will always be a family. Happy birthday!